Chapter 3: peace

So one day, while doing my chores I overheard the mother superior talking to one of the junior Reverend sisters.

They were discussing hosting a birthday party but I didn't get to listen to the full conversation,but the little I overheard got me in a mixture of feelings,I felt like I was riding on a rollercoaster.

Three months later, the head bullies celebrated her 20th birthday and left the orphanage.

I continued the countdown in anticipation of my own birthday. It was just two weeks to my 20th birthday, I had finished my usual morning routine and headed straight to the library to do what I always do, when I heard a sound of someone opening the library door. I was scared at first not to be seen because it was against the rules to be in the library when it's not time for it.

But luckily enough,it was one of the kind caregivers in the orphanage, Mrs Judith. She's a very kind hearted lady who never supports evil. She opened the library door and turned on the lights as she walked in holding a brown file on her left hand and a blue pen on her right hand.

She noticed someone was in the library,but I tried as much as possible not to be seen. After a few minutes she walked up on me, surprised to see me she shouted "Jesus! Zara. What are you doing here alone?"

I quietly came out of my hiding, my head buried in my hands out of fear. But she patted my back and said "it's fine, I know you're here because there's nowhere to go, and I understand okay. It's almost time for the library so I won't tell anyone you were here before me." I felt relieved, but she went on and said

"You're not alone my darling, we see you and we care about you. And just a little good news to cheer you up, your birthday is going to be special this time I promise."She whispered and smiled.

Count down to three months later and it's finally my birthday,the most awaited day of my life.

The superiors and other care givers had been secretly planning a little surprise party for me.

I went on about my normal morning routine With a mix of hope and trepidation, still unaware of the festivities awaiting me.

Later in the evening, at around 4:50pm, I was told that the mother supreme had called me to come help her with an errands. I quickly got up from my bunk bed and went straight to her office without expecting anything

As I entered her office, a chorus of "Happy Birthday" erupted, and my eyes widened in surprise. Balloons floated above the table and a cake adorned with colorful candles sat at the center.

The mother superior pulled me closer to her, placed her right hand on my head and closed her eyes while everyone joined in the mood of prayer.

After a short prayer, the mother superior stretched her hand for a hug. She handed me a little gift box "Happy birthday dear one, you'll find favour as you leave this place." she said to me, her voice warm with affection.