Playground - Adopted by ScarJost ✔️

❀Comfort❀

2619 words :)
TW: X
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Friday, July 14th, 2023
Samantha POV

The orphanage was bustling with commotion, a cacophony of voices and energy ricocheting off the walls. As the day unfolded, the absence of the caretaker seemed to cast a chaotic spell upon the place. I found myself thrust into the role of de facto caretaker, responsible for the ten other kids ranging from five to thirteen years old.

"Sam! Look what I made!" Five-year-old Lila tugged at my sleeve, displaying a crayon masterpiece.

"That's amazing, Lila! Keep up the fantastic work," I praised, offering an encouraging smile as I gently guided her back toward the art corner.

Meanwhile, seven-year-old Max zoomed past me, his voice carrying over the din. "Sam, can you play tag with us?"

"In a bit, Max! Let's finish up our chores first," I replied, trying to strike a balance between fun and responsibilities.

The older ones needed attention too. Sarah, the eldest at thirteen, sought advice for her homework. I sat with her, explaining a tricky math problem as best I could.

"Thanks, Sam. You're the best," Sarah grinned, relieved as the solution finally clicked.

Amidst the rush, six-year-old Joey tugged at my shirt, eyes wide with worry. "Sam, can you help me find my toy? I can't sleep without it!"

"Of course, Joey. Let's search together," I assured, leading him towards his sleeping area.

The flurry of demands and needs was unceasing, but I tried to attend to each child with patience and care. It was chaotic, yes, but in the midst of the chaos, there was also an unspoken harmony, a sense of unity among us.

As I navigated the whirlwind of needs and requests, the chaos seemed to intensify. Nine-year-old Ethan had accidentally spilled a pitcher of juice, creating a sticky mess that spread across the table.

"Sam, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to," Ethan blurted, his eyes wide with concern.

"It's okay, Ethan. Accidents happen. Let's clean this up together," I reassured him, grabbing a cloth to mop the spill as Ethan helped gather the cups.

Meanwhile, the younger ones engaged in a heated dispute over toys. Four-year-old Mia wailed in frustration as six-year-old Liam held tightly onto a prized doll.

"Come on, Liam, Mia really loves that doll. Can we share?" I negotiated, trying to diffuse the tension.

Reluctantly, Liam relinquished the doll, Mia's tears transforming into a radiant smile as she hugged it tightly.

The commotion, however, didn't end there. A game of indoor football among the older kids had led to a lamp toppling over, its shattered pieces scattering across the floor.

"Everyone, freeze!" I called out, trying to restore order amid the chaos. "We need to clean this up carefully, okay?"

The older kids nodded, a mixture of guilt and concern etched on their faces. Together, we carefully picked up the broken pieces, ensuring the area was safe. With the messes cleared and a semblance of order restored, a sense of relief washed over the orphanage. The kids gradually settled into various activities, their energies now channeled into more constructive pursuits.

I found myself overseeing an impromptu arts and crafts session, providing materials for the younger ones to unleash their creativity. Meanwhile, the older kids engaged in storytelling sessions, each taking turns to weave imaginative tales.

"Hey, Sam, look what I made!" Eight-year-old Tommy held up a lopsided clay figurine, his eyes gleaming with pride.

"That's fantastic, Tommy! You're quite the artist," I praised, eliciting a wide grin from him.