Avery's POV

I woke up to the sound of children laughing and playing outside my window. It was a familiar sound that I had grown accustomed to over the years. Stretching my arms and rubbing my eyes, I savoured the softness of my pillow and the warmth of the blanket. I sat up yawning, feeling the cool air on my face and looked around my small room. It was sparsely furnished with just a bed, a dresser, and a desk. I decorated the walls with pictures and posters that I had collected over the years.

Making my way to the window, I gazed out at the world outside. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a warm orange glow across the sky. The sweet melodies of chirping birds filled the air, creating a symphony of nature's awakening. A smile graced my lips as I absorbed the sense of peace that washed over me. With renewed energy, I made my way to the dresser.

Looking at my reflection in the mirror, a smile met my eyes. I saw my reflection with long brown hair and big, captivating brown eyes staring back at me. A mischievous scar above my left eyebrow added character to my face. After a refreshing shower, I meticulously brushed my hair and slipped into my favourite jeans and a comfortable T-shirt.

As I walked out of my room, I was greeted by the familiar faces of the caretakers and children in the orphanage. All the children rushed towards me, hugging me, and asking me about my plans for the day. I was loved by all the children in the orphanage. I had a way of making people feel comfortable around me, and I was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Thus, I had a way of making them feel loved and cared for, just like Maria had done for me.

Maria was the one who ran the orphanage, and she had raised me since I was just a year old. She also dedicated her life to taking care of the children in the orphanage. I didn't know much about my parents, except for the fact that they died on a sailing trip and their boat capsized during a storm.

Growing up, I was a bright, friendly child who loved making new friends. Despite living in an environment that was not conducive to my growth, I developed a cheerful personality that radiated warmth and positivity.

As I grew older, I realized that the world was a much larger and more complex place than the confines of the orphanage. I yearned to explore the world, to see new places and meet new people. I longed for a family of my own, someone to call my own and to share my joys and sorrows with. However, with no prospects of adoption in sight, I had begun to resign myself to the fact that I would spend the rest of my life in the orphanage.

Maria had always been like a mother to me, the one constant in my life, providing me with all the love and guidance I needed. She had always been there for me, guiding me, teaching me, and most importantly, loving me unconditionally. Her love was enough to make me feel whole.

I was grateful for all that Maria had done for me, from the warm meals she cooked for me to the clothes she had sewn for me. All in all, the orphanage turned out to be like a home for me, with children of all ages and backgrounds, and several caring adults to look after us. There were always other children to play with and caretakers to talk to, but my bond with Maria was special.

As I walked into the kitchen, I saw Maria cooking breakfast for the children. I walked over and gave her a hug.

"Good morning, Maria. You're up early today," I said, smiling.

Maria smiled back at me.

"Good morning, my dear. I wanted to make sure that everyone gets a good breakfast today," she said, patting my head.

I helped Maria set the table and served breakfast to the children. The smell of pancakes and bacon wafted through the air, making my mouth water. We all sat down at the long wooden table, chatting and laughing. Maria was the life of the party, telling jokes and making everyone laugh.

As I ate, I listened to the chatter of the other children around me. I could hear the sound of laughter, the clinking of silverware against plates, and the occasional sneeze or cough. The room was filled with the sounds of life, and I felt grateful to be a part of it.

As I finished my breakfast, I noticed a young girl sitting alone at a table. She couldn't have been more than five years old, with curly brown hair and big, round eyes. She looked up at me and quickly looked back down at her plate, clearly trying to hide her face. I recognized the girl as Sarah, a new arrival to the orphanage who had arrived just a few days before.

I approached Sarah's table and sat down across from her. "Hey, Sarah, how are you liking it here so far?" I asked with a smile.

Sarah looked up at me, her eyes filling with tears.

"It's okay, I guess," she said quietly. "But I miss my mom and dad."

I couldn't help but feel a pang of familiarity as I looked at Sarah. I remembered what it was like to be that young, to feel lost and alone without parents.

I reached across the table and took Sarah's hand.

"I know it's hard, but we're all here for you. You're going to make lots of new friends and you'll always have someone to talk to."

Sarah nodded slowly, wiping away her tears. "Thanks, Avery. You're really nice."

I smiled at Sarah, feeling a sense of satisfaction. I always had a soft spot for the younger children in the orphanage and loved being able to be a motherly figure for them just like Maria. I knew how scary it can be to come to a new place, and I wanted to make sure that Sarah felt welcome and loved.

As breakfast ended, I helped Maria with the chores around the orphanage. We cleaned the rooms, washed the dishes, and did the laundry. As we worked, we chatted about everything under the sun.

"Avery, my dear," Maria said suddenly. "Have you thought about what you want to do with your life?"

I shrugged. "I don't know, Maria. I haven't really thought about it. I just want to help you take care of the children," I said.

Maria smiled at me. "You're such a kind and caring person, Avery. You have so much potential. Don't waste it," she said, putting her arm around me.

As the day went on, I spent time with the children, helping them with their homework and playing with them. I also took Sarah outside to play. We ran around the yard, chasing each other and laughing. I felt a sense of happiness as I watched Sarah's face light up with joy.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility towards her. I knew instantly that there was a special connection between us. I saw a lot of myself in Sarah, and I made a promise to myself to take care of her as if she were my own little sister.

As the sun began to set, I sat outside, watching Sarah and the other children play. I thought about what Maria had said earlier. Maybe it was time for me to think about my future. I had always wanted to travel and see the world. Maybe I could do that one day or just start to pursue my higher studies.

I sighed and looked up at the sky. The sun was setting, casting a warm orange glow across the sky, and the sounds of children playing in the distance could be heard. I felt a sense of peace wash over me. I knew that no matter what the future held, I would always have Maria and the children in the orphanage. And that was enough for me.

I was lost in my thoughts, staring out into the garden of the orphanage. Suddenly, I heard footsteps behind me and turned to see Maria standing there, a playful smile on her face.

"Avery, my dear," Maria said as she came to sit beside me. "So, are you dreaming about your boyfriend?"

My cheek turned a shade of pink at the question, knowing that Maria was teasing me about my non-existent love life.

"Oh, come on, Maria," I said, trying to hide my embarrassment. "I was just daydreaming."

Maria laughed and patted my hand. "It's all right, my dear. You can tell me all about it. I won't judge."

I rolled my eyes and couldn't help but smile. Maria and I often teased each other like this.

"Fine," I said, giving in. "Maybe I was imagining a tall, handsome man who would sweep me off my feet and take me away from this place."

Maria raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?... Come on, Avery. You're 20 years old now. Don't you think it's time to start thinking about a boyfriend?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

I groaned. "Not this again, Maria. I'm not interested in boys right now. I'm happy just being single for now."

Maria chuckled. "That's what they all say at your age. But trust me, when the right one comes along, you won't be able to resist. Besides, you're still young and beautiful, and there's nothing wrong with having a little fun," she said, giving me a playful wink.

I shook my head and smiled at Maria's teasing. I knew that she just wanted me to be happy and experience all that life had to offer. Our banter and playful teasing were something that we both enjoyed and were a testament to our strong bond.

"You're impossible, you know that?"

"I know, but that's why you love me."

I leaned my head on Maria's shoulder. "Yes, I do."

I smiled and looked back at the sunset. "You know, Maria, I was thinking about what you said earlier. About me having potential and all," I said, turning to face Maria.

Maria looked at me curiously. "Yes, my dear. What about it?" she asked.

"I don't know. I just...I feel like there's more out there for me. I love being here with you and the children, but I can't help but wonder what else is out there," I said, my eyes fixed on the horizon.

Maria nodded. "I understand, my dear. It's natural to want to explore and see the world. But always remember that you have a home here, with us. No matter where life takes you, you will always be a part of our family," she said, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

We sat in comfortable silence for a moment before Maria spoke again. "You know, Avery, you should have some fun in your life. You work so hard here at the orphanage, and you deserve to enjoy yourself."

I sighed. "I know, but it's not easy. I feel responsible for the kids here, and I don't want to leave you and them alone."

Maria nodded. "I understand, my dear. But you can still have fun and take care of the children. It's all about finding a balance."

I nodded, considering Maria's words. Maybe she was right. I had been so focused on taking care of the children and running the orphanage that I had forgotten to have some fun myself.

As if reading my thoughts, Maria smiled. "I have an idea. Why don't we plan a day out for all of us? We can take the kids to the park and have a picnic. It'll be fun!"

My eyes lit up at the suggestion. "That sounds amazing, Maria! When should we plan it?"

"How about next weekend?" Maria suggested.

I nodded eagerly. "Yes, let's do it! The kids will love it."

Maria smiled. "I knew you'd like the idea. It's settled then. We'll plan a day out for all of us."

I hugged Maria tightly. "Thank you, Maria. You always know how to make me feel better."

Maria hugged me back. "That's what I'm here for, my dear. Always."

We sat in silence, enjoying each other's company while watching the sun dip below the horizon and listening to the children play in the distance. It was moments like these that I treasured the most. Even though I didn't have a family of my own, I knew that I was loved and cherished by those around me. And as for finding love, well, I knew that I had plenty of time for that in the future.

As the sky grew darker, Maria stood up and offered her hand to me. "Come on, my dear. It's time for dinner," she said, smiling.

I took her hand and stood up, feeling grateful for Maria's presence in my life. I knew that no matter what the future held, I would always have a home and a family in the orphanage.

Reference Images for the orphanage:

Avery's Room: