The Little Orphans

Chapitre 1

I'm daydreaming on the windowsill, ravaged by mold and the moisture of the orphanage.

I imagine myself coming home from school, running to kiss my mom and having tea in a beautiful kitchen with a huge cake on the table.

In the orphanage, we are not allowed to talk among ourselves or make any noise so I often dream. Suddenly, I am pulled out of my dream by the arrival of the director. I am suddenly very scared because I understand that I am late for dinner.

- Do you know what time it is, Alice? asks the director.

I look at the wall clock and find that it is ten-six.

-Uh... ten nine six! I replied trembling.

- Right! And do you know what that means?

My trembling became uncontrollable and my eyes began to fill with tears.

-I'm sorry! I won't do it again! I whispered as salty tears began to flow down my cheeks.

- Don't worry, you won't do it again because I'm going to give you a proper punishment!

Suddenly, fear paralyzes me and I hold my breath.

- You will be deprived of food for six days! One day per minute of delay!

I'm relieved to hear that because the director has no pity for us so her punishment is rather mild.

- However, your presence at the table remains mandatory.

We go down into the dining room and when I arrive I become red with shame. All eyes are on me as they stand guard in front of their chairs. who is next to my best friend Oriane.Oriane is like a big sister 'because she's 6 and I'm 4

-What did the director tell you? she asked.

-I am without food for six days. Replied I whispered.

- It's not human! exclaimed Oriane

-Don't worry. I said to her with a faint smile.

After eating, when we arrive at the dormitory, we are not allowed to talk and must lie on concrete-hard mattresses. Tonight I can't sleep because I'm torn by hunger. With Oriane, we usually wait for the director to leave the room to whisper them both.

-Alice! she called Oriane.

-Yes!

-Come on, let's go to the kitchen and get you something to eat.

-No! Don't worry I'm not hungry!

-You're lying, Alice!

-No I swear it's true!

-I don't believe you!

At that moment, as if my stomach wanted to give reason to Oriane,my belly starts making a monstrous noise.

-In that case I go!

-You're crazy, if you get caught by the director,she'll lock you in the cabin.

The hut is a room in the back of the garden that is very small. It is so small that you can't lie down. In addition to that, it is a room made with a tiled floor and it is very cold.At least, this is what we have reported those who had been there.Generally when they come back,they are not the same.

-I won't get caught, I promise!

-I'm afraid please don't go!

-So come with me!

Caught off guard,I am. Oriane and I get up as gently as possible to not wake our comrades.We manage to reach the corridor, go down the stairs and sneak into the kitchen.

-Here finally real food,it's not the soup with a taste of water and stale bread.

Indeed, Oriane had just found a fresh baguette and a piece of watermelon.

-It's delicious! I exclaimed

-It's a real feast!

While we were devouring this divine food, a voice appears behind us.

-I can help you! asked the director angrily.

Oriane and I hide the remains behind our backs.

-Uh ...

-But who have we there! Oriane and Alice!

I began to tremble and see blurred because of the tears that were coming up in my eyes. Oriane, was not afraid of the director and was content to stare straight in her eyes without moving a sock.The director had planted his black look in the eyes of Oriane and I watched this endless duel.

After a while, Oriane felt compelled to lower her eyes and the director put a triumphant smile on her face. But it was short-lived because she immediately retook:

-Your punishment wasn't enough for you, Alice? said the director.

At that moment I was again paralyzed by fear because I knew that a great punishment awaited us.

-She did nothing! I forced her to follow me! exclaimed Oriane.

-I'm not so sure! replied the director who began to boil with rage.

-I swear it's true! Continued Oriane.

-Enough! You're going to stop, you insolent little bitch!

The director resumed immediately.

-So in addition to being late for dinner you're a thief Alice!

Was praying that this was all a nightmare. Unfortunately it was real and I was awake. The director ended with a sentence that chilled my blood:

-Come to my office right now!

Oriane and I had no choice but to follow the director. As we entered the office, the principal locked the door and began to speak after ten endless seconds:

-So what would be the most appropriate punishment for you? Do you have any idea?

Oriane and I shook our heads wondering what she was going to do to us.

Suddenly the director got up and went to look in her cupboard for a very sharp metal bar. She grabbed Oriane by the arm and took off her pajamas. That's when I understood what was going to happen. She was going to hit us.A first blow struck

on the back of Oriane who let out an atrocious scream. A second blow was to give on his shoulder and Oriane Hurla again. The director hit so hard that I quickly lost count. I cried with all my strength begging for it to stop but the director didn't really care. She screamed louder and the blows got louder and louder as well.She eventually fell to the ground in pain. You could see the smile of satisfaction on the face of the director. At one point, she stopped and pushed Oriane.

It was my turn. She grabbed me by the arm with incredible force and tore off my pajamas. I suddenly felt very cold and still trembled, but this time I could not breathe, because I was so scared. A first blow cuts my shoulder and I feel blood running down my back. A second one hits me right in the middle of the back and I give a scream that tears my throat. I feel like she stuck a knife in my chest and my head is spinning at an insane speed. I feel like vomiting and my ears are whistling. A third blow hits me, I feel my body tear and fall on the icy ground. I mean Oriane

Stop, you're going to kill her!" Of course she doesn't care. She keeps hitting me so hard I can't count. Oriane is still screaming and the director stops, goes to her and gives her a big slap. The director ends up saying: 

Now go to bed, and you Alice, your punishment of this hour is not lifted!" We have a hard time walking but we manage to reach the dormitory and we collapse on our beds.