SAUDADE | TPN

chapter 4 | façade

12 of October in the year of 2045, one the 6-year-olds, Conny got adopted. She looked excited, but she indeed didn't want to leave those who stayed with her all the time. Her emotional speech had made everything even more upsetting.

Although, she didn't want to leave—she had too. Suddenly, The emotional environment was broken by Emma's screaming.

Conny had fortunately, forgotten Little Bunny..

Emma volunteered to return Little Bunny to Conny as soon as possible, along with Norman. As much as Emma didn't want to break the rules, Norman ensured her that if they get in trouble, they can get in trouble together. They returned home with an heavy aura—sensed by Ray.

They waited & waited. Everyone was adopted before them. Now, they're the eldest along with Elizabeth. Still, wondering what's delaying their adoption. Upon, With these thoughts, Emma returned to the bedroom to sleep. She looked like an exhausted & terrified mess.

Emma entered into the Room with all the other kids sleeping, Unknown to her Elizabeth was awake.

CREAK

Emma flinched, as Elizabeth sat next to her. Emma was slightly surprised as she most probably didn't think someone would be awake at this time.

...

"You're usually not awake at this time..Emma..." Elizabeth whispered with an attempt to not wake up any of the other children.

"Did you succeed in returning Conny's plush?"

Emma was silent, shocked. All the memories of her dead body, the conversation, Her voice. Her thoughts were coming to her in full speed without stopping. It was traumatizing. She bursted into tears in exhaustion. Elizabeth was taken by surprise, She felt as if she wants to cry as well.

Elizabeth regretted asking her that question. As she could understand, something bad, real bad must've happened at the gate.

"She obviously saw them."

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The grandfather clock struck 5:00 AM. Elizabeth was standing in front of the mirror Unconsciously, combing her long hair with curly ends. Her mind could only hear the screaming silence in the air.

"I really want to know what happened." she thought.

Coming back to herself, she slowly tied her hair in a neat braid, to which she finished off with a white ribbon. Quietly closing the door, Elizabeth went downstairs—towards the dining hall. It was quiet, only Mama was awake—preparing breakfast.

"Morning, Mother." greeted Elizabeth, 

"Good Morning, Eliza. You're up early as always." replied Isabella in a soothing tone.

Elizabeth is an early bird, to her advantage it's quiet. She loves it. She loves to look around the house & explore the forest all alone, peacefully. As she was helping Isabella, she heard footsteps. Much to her surprise, Ray also woke up right after 10 minutes of her slumber.

Ray helped with cooking dinner & Elizabeth with setting up the plates. She watched how Ray was peacefully cooking. He seemed to be quite devoted to cooking. She came back to setting the plates as she didn't want to be viewed as a creep.