star [ wroetostar ]

7 september 2022

25 years old

The orphanage was a large bungalow styled building, the exterior covered in a faded off-white. Windows were lined with blue trim, shutters and doors all painted in the same manner.
The front porch was all pastel pinks and yellows, the backyard echoing with the giggles of content children.

The blond looked down at his wedding ring, giving it a delicate kiss before knocking at the door.

"You would've loved this place Vik."

A tall man answered the door, short brown curls topped by a white flower crown. He was wearing a long blue sweater and ripped jeans, a three year old girl hanging off his right leg.

"Hello. How may I help you? I'm Robert Latsky."

The man stuck out his hand, Harry returning the gesture.

"I'm Harry Lewis. I was hoping to adopt."

"Of course. Come on in."

A small grouping of children gathered behind Rob, nervous with the newcomer. One little boy pulled at his sweater, wrapping his chubby arms around his waist.

"Robbie. Uppie."
The boy was picked up, and Rob led me into the play room.

Another girl was feeding a small baby, wrapped in a pink blanket. She had short black hair and freckle covered face. She smiled before turning back to the infant.

"I'll be in the back. If you find a child you wish to adopt, come back to me and I can help with any paperwork."

The blond thanked him, moving to kneel down near a basket of toys.
One little girl looked over at him, pointing at his ring.

She couldn't have been more than a year old, a thick cropping of short black hair covering her head. She had brown eyes, so dark they seemed black. She smiled, reaching a hand towards Harry.

"You remind me of him..."
The girl giggled, reaching her hands out to the blond.

A mix of syllables that didn't really form a sentence left the giggling girls lips.

Harry picked up the little girl, smiling as years filled his eyes.

"Rob?"

From behind the corner, the guy came back, flower crown stolen by a blonde boy running behind him.

"I see you found someone."

"Yeah. What's her name?"

"Luna. She's the newest addition. Was just given up a few months back."

"Luna..."
The blond looked at the girl, pale skin and black hair.

"I love her."

---

Paperwork.
A home study.
Financial diagnosis.
More paperwork...

Then came the waiting. The months upon months patiently camping the phone. Weeks spent between visits to Luna, bringing soft toys and books to keep her entertained.

"You filled the void he left, but all I think about is him. You would've loved your daddy. He would've loved you."

"Star?"

Her first word properly spoken to the blond.

Tears pooled in forest green eyes, but never spilled.

"Exactly Luna. Star. Your daddy was my little star... Now you're my little moon."

"Excuse me, Mr. Lewis."
The door to the playroom opened, Rob coming in with an armful of paper.

"Yes. How can I help you Rob?"

"Congratulations Harry. You're a father."