Spectrum of Red. [LISRENE]

21

As Irene parked the car, she looked around, wondering if they had arrived at the correct location. It was an orphanage, and Irene tilted her head with a questioning look toward Lisa.

"Are we in the right place?"

Irene asked softly, glancing at the building.

Lisa nodded, a tender smile forming on her face.

"Yeah, we are. There’s...someone here I’d really like you to meet if that's okay."

She hesitated, her eyes reflecting a mix of anticipation and vulnerability.

"She’s really special to me."

Irene’s face softened as she placed a gentle hand on Lisa’s.

"Of course, Lisa. I’d be honored to meet her."

There was a sparkle of curiosity and warmth in Irene’s eyes as they stepped out of the car and headed toward the entrance.

They walked into the building, and Irene kept her cap and mask on for discretion. Lisa approached the main desk and politely asked,

"We’re here to see Lily."

The staff member at the desk checked her notes before smiling at Lisa.

"Oh, yes, Lily has been eagerly waiting for your visit. You’re good to go; she’s in the playroom with the other children."

The woman’s smile faded a bit as she added,

"And about her file...as we discussed, we couldn’t locate any family. Without any further information, we’re moving forward with placing her for adoption."

Lisa’s expression turned serious as she nodded.

"I understand. Thank you for holding off for now. I...I’m here to discuss that."

The staff member gave her directions to the playroom, and Lisa and Irene followed them down the hallway. Reaching the door, Lisa paused, gazing through the window as she searched the room for a familiar face. Her eyes softened as they landed on a small figure by the wall, deeply engrossed in a toy.

Lisa pointed subtly, her voice dropping to a soft, affectionate tone.

"That’s her. That’s Lily."

Irene followed her gaze, her heart swelling as she watched the little girl, unaware of their presence, sitting cross-legged, intently focused on her toy.

But before Irene could fully take in the scene, Lily looked up and spotted Lisa. Her face lit up, and she scrambled to her feet, her tiny legs carrying her as fast as they could toward Lisa.

Lisa immediately knelt down to Lily’s height, her arms open wide, and Lily ran straight into her embrace. She clung tightly to Lisa’s neck, her little arms hugging with all her might.

Lisa held her close, her eyes closing as she pressed soft kisses to Lily's head.

"I missed you so much, Lily."

Lily giggled at each kiss, her joy evident in her sparkling eyes.

"Missed you,"

She replied in a small, sweet voice.

Irene felt her heart melt, watching this tender reunion. She hadn’t expected to feel such overwhelming affection for this little girl she’d just met, but seeing Lisa’s happiness with her was enough to bring tears to Irene’s eyes.

Lisa was surprised as Lisa pulled back slightly, she noticed something in Lily’s ear – a small hearing device. She looked at it with a mixture of curiosity and emotion, her voice wavering as she asked,