Sam, lets send Elsie back to the orphanage!
Are you out of your mind? Send her away? What do you mean? Andrew stared at his wife in disbelief.
Exactlysend her away! Were expecting a baby soon; why should we keep someone else? Jane flicked her hair. Well have our own child; theres no need for a stranger.
Jane! It feels like a blessing from above that were being rewarded for helping that little orphan find a family. You were the one who insisted on adopting her!
I never hoped wed have a child of our own, thats why I kept pushing. Whats a family without kids?
Fiveyearold Elsie stood at the bedroom door, unable to grasp what she heard. She wasnt a real child? They wanted to return her to the orphanage?
Tears welled up. She had been thrilled at the thought of gaining a brother or sister, yet now she realized that her own arrival might cost her parents!
Sensing something, Sam rose from the bed and walked toward the door, where a sobbing Elsie waited.
Dad, am I not yours? her huge eyes asked, trembling.
Of course, my sunshine! Sam lifted his daughter into his arms. Youre definitely ours.
But you said you wanted to send me back to the orphanage. Does that mean Im not yours? Elsie sniffed, wiping her cheeks.
We took you in, but that doesnt mean we love you any less. We love you very much. Mums hormones are just running wild because of the baby Come, lets get you tucked in.
—
Ill leave you and youll never see the baby! Jane shrieked. I want a normal familyno outsiders!
Jane, calm down! There are no outsiders in our family, Sam tried to soothe her. Elsie is our daughter too!
I didnt give birth to her! Shes not my daughter! Janes anger flared. Chooseme or her!
Sam helped pack Elsies things.
Youll stay with Grandma for a while so Mum doesnt get too stressed, he told his daughter. The baby will arrive, Mum will settle down, and well bring you back, okay?
Elsie nodded. She would do anything to avoid the orphanage, and she adored her grandmother. Grandma was kind and always offered Elsie sweets.
Grandma, if Mum wants to send me to the orphanage, can I stay with you instead? the little girl asked as she stood at the doorway.
Mrs. Margaret gave Sam a stern look. He managed a nervous smile.
Janes hormones are acting up!
Of course, my dear! Grandma replied, helping Elsie change. Mum wont actually send you awayyoure her child. Shes just saying it out of nerves.
—
Two months passed with Elsie living at Grandmas. Andrew visited less often, torn between work and the hospital where Jane lay under observation.
One morning, while Grandma prepared breakfast, Elsie spotted her fathers car and shouted,
Dads home!
That early? Margaret frowned. Andrew never arrived before lunch. Sensing trouble, she told Elsie to stay in the kitchen while she went to meet her son.
Jane passed away during the night. She went into labour and couldnt make it The baby didnt survive either, Andrew said wearily, sinking onto a footstool in the hallway.
The three of them sat at the kitchen table, forgetting about their cooling tea.
Mom, Im taking Elsie back. Its time for her to return home, he announced.
If you like, I can stay with you for a while, Margaret offered, eyeing her son.
Thanks, Mom
—
Elsie examined her new school uniform with excitement. Soon shed be a proper pupil, with a neat blazer and a bright backpack waiting for her.
A knock sounded at the hallway doorDad!
Dad! the girl ran to greet him. Andrew wasnt alone; a petite, slender woman stood beside him.
Sweetheart, meet Lisa. Shell be living with us, Andrew said with forced cheer.
Hello, Elsie! Lisa smiled gently, handing her a small bouquet. A little something for the first day of school.
Good morning, Elsie muttered, ignoring the flowers and heading to her room.
Dont be upset, Andrew called after her, Lisa is really lovely and kind.
Im sure well get along, Lisa replied.
Right, now! Elsie thought and slammed her bedroom door shut.
Andrew and Lisa exchanged a shy smile. Soon after, Andrew received a promotion that kept him away at work more often.
All the responsibilities for Elsie gradually fell onto Lisas shoulders. She did everything she could: helping with homework, attending parentteacher meetings, taking Elsie to the cinema and cafes.
Eventually, Elsie warmed to her stepmother. The house settled into a quiet harmony.
At the end of the school year, another joyful event occurredLisa was expecting a baby. For Elsie, this was a blow.
She locked herself in her room and cried for a long time. Lisa stood outside, pleading,
Elsie! Stop crying. I love you and Ill never give you away. Well always be together. Youre my favourite girl!
Really? Elsie sniffed, peeking out.
Of course! Lisa embraced her. Youre my own child now, and Ill never let anyone take you.
A few months later, Elsie held her new baby brother, marveling at how tiny he was.
Mum, look how funny he is! she exclaimed, unintentionally calling Lisa Mum.
Lisa, hiding tears of happiness, hugged her tighter.
Two more years went by. Elsie entered Year4 when tragedy struckAndrew died in a car crash. Elsie and Lisa, now alone, managed the household, cared for baby Charlie, and tried not to speak too much, fearing the tears would overflow. Charlie, too young to understand, often whined.
One night, when Charlie was asleep, Lisa sat beside Elsie and said,
Elsie, we cant keep living like this. Your father is gone, and life must go on. Lets stop wallowing and move forward, okay?
Okay, Elsie agreed. Lisa was right; their father would never return.
Just as they decided to keep living, the doorbell rang.
A stern woman introduced herself as an inspector from Childrens Services, demanding that Elsie be placed back in the orphanage because she was now without parents.
How can that be? What about us? Lisa protested.
Show us the adoption papers! the inspector demanded. None existed. There you have itGrandma is too old to provide a proper life, and youre not family. Pack your things, Elsie!
Unlike Lisa, Elsie stayed silent, indifferent to the threat. The old nightmare had come trueshe was alone again.
Ill take you away! Lisa shouted, but Elsie didnt believe her.
Who needs an orphan? When her dad was alive she was loved; now he was gone, and she felt unwanted, especially to Lisa, who already had a child of her own.
Lisa visited the orphanage often, but Elsie never answered her. She watched Lisa waiting on a bench, hoping for a chance that never came. Over time, Lisas visits grew rarer until she disappeared completely.
Well, thats itshe got herself into being a mother, Elsie thought bitterly.
Two months later, a school nurse called, Elsie, the headmistress wants to see you.
What could she possibly want? Elsie wondered.
The headmistress says youve been placed with a new family, the nurse announced. Not a full family, perhaps, but a family nonetheless.
I dont want any family! Elsie declared gloomily. Im unlucky with families!
Luck or not, youll have to gather your things and go to your new parents, the nurse replied.
Obediently, Elsie left. Indifference still shadowed her. Outside the orphanage gate stood Lisa.
What are you doing here? Elsie asked, detached.
Im here for you
Ive already been adopted
So am I.
Yes? Elsies face lit up for the first time.
Exactly! I told you youre my own child and Ill never give you away. A single mother may find it hard to adopt, but Ive proved I can provide you a decent life, and, well, a few bribes never hurt. So were a proper family now. Lets go home; Charlie misses you!
Lets go Mum.
And so Elsie finally found a place where love, though hardwon, was real. She learned that families are not defined by blood alone, but by the care we give each other. The hardest moments taught her that resilience and compassion can turn strangers into kin, and that a heart open to love can heal even the deepest wounds.
