Whispers After Dark

Chapter 3

 I was bothered at meal times. The food was plain and monotonously familiar. Chicken soup on Monday, beef stew on Tuesday, mashed potatoes and gravy on Wednesday. The days with their matching meal plan never varied. The sharp taste of wild meat was a dream compared to the plain taste of domestic meat.

From the line-up, I carried my plate to the section of the dining hall reserved for children. Chamberlain Orphanage had necessitous living arrangements. It was a rundown lot with poor architecture, creating an eerie atmosphere that sent chills down my spine upon first entry. Tall, arched windows with intricate metalwork adorn the facade, offering a glimpse into the dimly lit interior. Much of the lighting was provided by nature, with a faint kindle in the bedroom and toilet supplied by numerous lanterns. The children, Mr. Chamberlain, Mrs. Chamberlain, and Roy ate in the dining hall. At night, the children were sent to a large room, with lanterns every couple of meters, and mats laid on the floor. I slept uncomfortably, tossing and turning from back aches and sweat.

Chatter filled the hall, some children talking about Roy's lessons, others about the crow earlier, and some children whispered about Emily and I, and our arrival at Chamberlain Orphanage. I tried not to focus on their conversations and keep my attention on my food. Every so often, I looked over at Emily, busy keeping her eyes on the conversation happening beside her. I reminded her to eat her food more rather than stare at the other children.

It seemed only the little children were nice. They engaged in conversation with Emily and me, asking us repetitive questions about where we came from and how long we were here. I wasn't sure they knew how orphanages worked, but their innocent questions were sweet.

"Where did you come from?" A little boy had asked, food falling out of the side of his mouth.

"Do you like this place?" Another girl had chipped in, popping her head behind the crowd of children curious to know the answer.

"Are you two related?" The small child sitting beside me had asked, pointing one finger at Emily and me.

They were all adorable questions I politely answered. The older girls and boys weren't as welcoming. Their judgemental side glances made it uncomfortable to talk to them. The older girls minded their business, exchanging glances between Emily and me before whispering something between the group that was followed by low giggling. The older boys didn't mind being hostile. Their unwavering eyes stared deep into me, and I looked away with an uneasy feeling.

With the plates taken away by Mrs. Chamberlain, Roy stood at the head of the table, instructing the children to pass around the meds. There, in front of me, stood a plastic cup, with the clear liquid touching the bottom of the "10 mL" scale marking. With a loud clasp from Roy's hands, the hall went silent.

"Alright children, there are a couple who are scared of takin' the medication alone,-" his eyes shifted to Emily. He knew she didn't like to drink the liquid. "-so we will all take it at once."

I glanced over to Emily, to see her eyeing her cup. Her furrowed eyebrows and lip biting were clear evidence she was nervous. I patted her head gently until she looked over. With a smile, I gave her a thumbs-up. Copying my expression, she smiled wide and put a thumbs-up, reaching for the sky with her finger, I smiled with contentment.

Roy started a fun countdown from his hands, with the children joining in, the descending numbers grew louder, until at one, the children stopped their counting and drank from the liquid. I looked over to Emily, hoping she hadn't backed out last minute, but the dripping liquid from the side of her mouth was proof she had gulped her medication.

"Stand up."

And with that, the children followed.

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