Life at the orphanage

Chapter 2 Life at the orphanage

We were in a dark and dreary cave; I sat there crying like a baby. I was lost and scared and felt helpless. The small candle sitting amongst the crates seemed to do little to light the way. I'm uncertain how long I was crying there when she appeared. A short orphan with red hair in a red sweater and teddy bear overalls, she seemed to have a few scrapes but smiled offering me a hand "I know you're scared, but I promise it's not that bad" my confusion must have shown because she then followed with "the orphanage! it's just down the road!" I still looked confused as she finally grabbed me helping me up "WOW YOU ARE NEW, come on follow me" She smiled playfully as she lit the way I decided it couldn't get much worse than this and followed her as we exited the cave the stars shine brightly.

I look up amazed at the girl sensing my stopping stops to check up on me "The stars their so...pretty..."

She nods trying not to giggle "I know right look there's the big dipper!" she shows me a few constellations and we giggle, eventually getting back on track we cross the rocks I jump on one and lose my balance, but she catches me "Careful! If you fall, we have to go all the way back!"I nod steadying myself pausing "By the way I never got your name?" I hope on the last rock before making it to the other side.

They smile as we finish the crossing "I'm Zere I have been here a little bit, I'm 16 going on 17 and now it's your turn!"

Zera's bubbly personality can't help but cause me to giggle "Fine fine I'm Fray! I smile doing a little twirl my pink curls falling around my shoulder in a mess I'm 15 my hair is not actually pink but I love pink, so I dye it a lot." she nods as we head up the hill, I see a large white building "Is that?"

Zere nods enthusiastically "Yep this is the orphanage! when we arrive, I will grab someone to help file paperwork and then I Hope to see you soon!" As if on cue the doors open I realize it is 6 am and the sun is rising above suddenly I see

[morning showers🚿] Salutations children, as you rise out of bed it's time to get a new uniform as you smell quite.... abhorred! While you are there, please take a shower I wouldn't want Adelia to cause a fright. For those worried about our bins being full, I shall be there soon 🫧orphanage custodian X🫧

Zere sensing my cluelessness took me to the showers and helped me showing me the showers toilets and clothing, as we passed by the toilets mentioned "The toilets can massively boost hygiene but... most of the time the orphans clog them up, I think our custodians are concerned for our wellbeing.

A chuckle escapes the both of us as we hear on cue "Oh god I think I clogged it again" Stumbling out of the stall a Kid with green hair and Frog attire turns to see us looking a tad unwell she walks to the sink and washes her hand and leaves. Simultaneously both of us decide not to acknowledge what happened and head to the uniforms I frown as I reply, "It's a bit...plain isn't it?"

Zere nods "Yeah but you can customize them later!" she smiles taking my hand "Come on let's find an attendant while we wait for breakfast." she approaches the attended desk she rings the bell 'ding!' silence follows Zere as if an impulsive thought came over or way too impatient rings again....and again....and again until eventually, all you hear is 'DING DING DING DING DING DING DING" rapidly speeding up until eventually a Weeshes comes looking incredibly annoyed and tired her black hair curls around her as she sits taking a sip of coffee as if to say "I don't get paid enough"

Taking another sip her lips curl a little as if frowning. "How can I help you?" she sips another relaxing a bit more looking Zere up and down as if wondering if beating her would solve the problem.I sense the oncoming tension and reply "I'm sorry I-uh just arrived here and they said something about-"

She cuts me off "I see I shall grab some paperwork in the future don't ring the bell like that... please...." as she walks off slowly, I can hear her briefly mutter "god they do not pay me enough for this..." Zere looks at me appreciatively and heads out to save us some breakfast, she waves at me in line. As I stand there tapping my hands on the counter suddenly I spy a rubber duck and give it a squeeze and a loud quack happens, I giggle a little finding the quack funny i squeeze again. As if on cue a Palia's Intern flies out.