CHAPTER 13

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Avery's POV

As the weekend sunlight filtered through the curtains, I rose from my bed with a sense of purpose. Today was special – I had promised the kids a culinary adventure. The idea had been brewing in my mind for a while, a way to infuse a bit of joy into their lives as we all navigated the lingering shadows of Maria's absence.

With quiet determination, I tiptoed out of my room, careful not to disturb anyone in their peaceful slumber. The orphanage seemed to hold its breath, a hushed reverence for the day ahead. My steps carried me through the hallways, my heart tethered to the memories that danced along the walls.

It had become a routine, a quiet ritual that I held close to my heart. I found myself standing before Maria's bedroom door, a place that had become a sanctuary of sorts. With a tender touch, I pushed the door open and stepped into the room that still held her essence.

Maria's presence lingered here, in the way the sunlight filtered through the curtains, in the arrangement of the books on the shelf, in the faint scent of her perfume that clung to the air. It was a connection to a mother figure who had left a void in our lives, yet her spirit remained woven into the very fabric of this space.

I moved with a gentle purpose, my fingers lightly dusting the surfaces, preserving the delicate order that Maria had established. There was a comfort in this routine, a way to hold on to her memory and feel her presence even though she was gone. I knew that the kids felt it too – a sense of solace that emanated from this room.

Leaving Maria's room as it was, untouched and unchanged, I stepped into the kitchen, carrying the weight of her memory with me. The countertops were soon adorned with mixing bowls, measuring cups, and Maria's weathered recipe book.

The kids began to trickle into the kitchen, their excitement palpable. Even in the midst of their healing, their spirits lifted at the promise of a shared adventure. Aprons were donned, their faces alive with eager anticipation. Each tie of the apron felt like a small gesture of hope, a way to encase them in a moment of joy.

After giving a simple instruction on the importance of cleanliness and teamwork, we gathered around the kitchen island. The warmth of Maria's memory surrounded us, and I could feel her gentle presence guiding us through this day.

"Today, we're going to make Maria's favourite pancake recipe and bake some of her beloved cookies," I announced, my voice infused with both nostalgia and anticipation.

As we dove into the culinary journey, the kitchen came alive with activity. Mixing bowls clinked, eggs cracked, and laughter bubbled like a symphony of shared moments. The kids stole glances at Maria's photo on the wall, a bittersweet reminder of what we had lost but would never forget.

 The kids stole glances at Maria's photo on the wall, a bittersweet reminder of what we had lost but would never forget

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