As The Rain Stops ✔️

Seven

TW⚠️ Minor mention of child abuse.

Neuvillette's

"Papa, look at an otter!" Sigewinne said as she pointed at her own drawing.

"That's adorable," I complimented. She cutely giggles and gets back to what she's doing.

A little later, she left her drawings and walked to the glass cabinet near the stairs.

"Can you help me complete this puzzle, Papa?" she asked as she held the Fountain of Lucene-inspired puzzle piece.

I smile as I remember this puzzle. It was one of the limited edition collectible items that I've bought, and whenever I'm bringing this puzzle to the orphanage, I can see how happy and amazed the children are. It really warms my heart to see those smiles on their faces.

"Of course, come, let's build this puzzle," I said and Sigewinne giggled while making her way up to the sofa.

While we build this puzzle, I can't help but ask her about certain questions that I kept in mind.

"Can I ask you something, little Sigewinne?" I asked.

"Mm~" she hummed while nodding.

I smiled and cleared my throat before talking. "Do you want to go home?"

She quickly turned her head toward me and shook her head. "No, Papa! Sigewinne just wants to stay here with you," she said.

"But your daddy is probably worried about you," I said.

Sigewinne pouted. "Sigewinne told Aunty Clorinde to tell Daddy that Sigewinne was going to Papa," she answered. "Didn't Aunty Clorinde do what Sigewinne said?" She asked confusedly.

"But still, I should take you home, your mommy is probably worried too," I said, but after she heard the word "mommy," her expression changed. She suddenly became pale and scared. "Are you alright, Little Sigewinne?" I worriedly asked.

"I don't want to go home, Papa,"  she said.

"Why? Don't you miss them?"

"I miss Daddy, but Sigewinne doesn't miss Mommy," she said, making my forehead crease.

"Why?" I immediately panicked as I saw her tears starting to fall, "Sigewinne-"

"Mo-mommy *sobs*  M-mommy is b-bad, P-papa *sobs* M-mommy is h-hurting Sigewinne! When she's home, she will beat Sigewinne and it really h-hurts a lot. *sobs* Mommy is bad! *sobs* "

My eyes widen and my jaw drops upon hearing what she just said.

She's hurting her... Sigewinne's mother is hurting her! How dare she do that to a child?

A fuming anger started to rise inside me. How dare that woman hurt an innocent child? How hypocritical and crazy she is!

"Does your dad know about this?" I ask her. As much as I want to let out my anger, I need to calm down for the sake of Sigewinne.

Sigewinne nods her head. "Yes, that's why whenever Mommy is hurting Sigewinne, she and Daddy will fight. And Aunty Clorinde will be there to take Sigewinne to her house to get away from Mommy," she said, which made me more upset.

I really need to talk to Wriothesley about this matter. Now that I know the reason why Sigewinne looked so afraid when I saw her a few hours ago, I will not let this matter slide and be repeated once again.