One Last Hope

Chapter 6

⭐"You've made it through every single one of your worst days. You're so much stronger than you think"⭐
___

The sound of distant voices pulls me from sleep. I'm still tired, it took me a long time to get to sleep last night.
But luckily, this bed is just so soft and comfortable! I open my eyes and start with surprise.
A really cute little girl is next to the bed. She's staring at me with big brown eyes, her chin is resting on the mattress.
I put my hand on my chest, to calm the infernal beating of my heart. I wasn't expecting a visit as soon as I woke up!

As I gradually regain composure, I look at the little girl whose eyes haven't left my face.
She is really adorable: she's dressed in the latest fashion and she has doll-like features.
I feel immediately moved by her sweetness. I have never had brothers and sisters, I look forward to spending time with her.
I already have a thousand ideas about how we could spend time together! Her staring, however, does make me feel a little uncomfortable.

It's in the family, I think...

I smile at her in spite of everything.
I will, however, have to make her understand that she mustn't do it again!
And not to mention the scruffy teddy she's dragged along with her...
I don't know if it's because of her smile or her big empty eyes, but a cold shiver runs down my spine!
I think I'll offer to brighten it up. A bit of patchwork should do the trick!
I focus my attention again on the little girl. She hasn't said a word since I opened my eyes. I try a nice, simple approach:

Nora: "Hello... You must be Lorie..."

She doesn't reply but just carries on staring at me.

Decidedly!

Drogo acted in exactly the same way yesterday.

Lorie: "You are so beautiful!..."

Nora: "Uh... Thank you, that's kind of you, you're very pretty too."

Lorie doesn't react to the compliment.
Curious for a little girl of that age. Generally, they like to show off a bit. Be the centre of attention...

Lorie: "Are you going to take care of me?"

Nora: "Yes, and you'll see... We're gonna have a good time!"

Lorie: "You're going to replace Lucie... I loved Lucie... She had beautiful hair, like yours... At first, she was nice, but after she..."

Lorie is abruptly interrupted by Nicolae pushing open the door.
Lorie doesn't move an inch.

Nicolae: "Lorie has to learn to respect people's privacy, but as you can see, we're still working on it."

Indeed, Lorie completely ignores her brother and keeps her attention focused on me. I shrug my shoulders and adopt a serene attitude.

Nora: "In any case, apparently she's interested in me!"

Nicolae: "To say the least... Come on Lorie, let's leave Nora to get ready and see how breakfast is coming on."

Without anything more, she's off like a shot. Nicolae gives me an apologetic look.

Nicolae: "I'm sorry about that."

Nora: "Don't worry, give me a half hour and I'll join you!"

Nicolae: "Very well."

I wait for him to close the door behind him. Once alone I jump out of bed.
Then I go to the bathroom to get ready.

In the shower, I take the time to take stock. Lorie seems to be a charming little girl.
Since I have two days before term starts, I'll have time to get to know her a little.