Chapter 386: Little Moon
Shortly afterward, Nathael put on the white shirt, then Maggie's bomber jacket.
Glancing at him, Maggie felt a little distracted. The jacket seemed slightly oversized, but his height carried it well. He didn't look like a child in adult clothing; it simply looked borrowed.
"You look great," Maggie remarked involuntarily. She wished his hair wouldn't cover his face, which she found incredibly handsome. However, she didn't push the matter. She understood that being overly attractive in the orphanage might be problematic. The teachers and director favored neat and attractive children, but constant attention could lead to trouble. Over time, even their fondness might dwindle due to the difficulties arising from his good looks.
So, Maggie thought it wise to downplay it, though his exceptionally fair complexion still stood out.
"What's your name?" Maggie asked again.
This time, Nathael remained silent, seemingly reluctant to reveal his name to this new acquaintance. The Harrises were in turmoil, and they hadn't found his would-be killer, so he couldn't reveal his identity.
Without a response, Maggie didn't press further. Grinning, she suggested, "I'll call you Little Mute."
Nathael remained silent. Maggie turned to the window and murmured, "I don't know my own name, but everyone calls me Little Moon, and I quite like it."
She didn't mention that the teacher initially named her Casey Adam, explaining that her unknown benefactor had left an item marked 'Adam,' which they assumed was her last name. Maggie disliked the name vehemently, protesting with tears and tantrums, but the teacher persisted.
Nevertheless, Maggie refused to respond to "Casey Adam," even if it meant punishment or withheld meals. She remained stubborn until, exhausted, hungry, and feverish, the teacher relented and asked her preferred name.
Maggie didn't know what to choose. After gazing at the moon for a while, she settled on "Moon."
The teacher chuckled. "Nobody is named Moon. Anyway, the couple who visited today liked you very much. I mentioned this, and they named you Maggie. Do you like it?" Maggie recalled Ronald and Olivia, who seemed nice and treated her kindly, but they also seemed kind to other children. She remembered her teacher saying they planned to adopt a girl, but might prefer someone younger.
Maggie thought it over and muttered the name softly, "Maggie."
That's how she became Maggie. She wasn't sure what she thought then—perhaps she found the name acceptable, or maybe she aimed to please the Camerons and gain their attention. In any case, Maggie Adam became her name.
But Maggie couldn't quite understand why. In reality, she wasn't fond of it, but couldn't decide what name she wanted. Perhaps she desired a name cherished by others, or one thoughtfully chosen, or a unique name with special meaning. But she understood that the Camerons' choice might be best for now.
Maggie closed the worn-out dictionary. Despite considering various names, she stubbornly refused to choose it herself.
Glancing at her, Nathael silently echoed her name in his mind. Maggie didn't care much. The orphanage was full of people with all sorts of names; no one paid much attention.
"The floor's chilly, but there are plenty of books in the storage room. You can stack them against the wall and sleep on them. It'll be much warmer."
Maggie rose and began selecting books from the shelves and cabinets. Numerous old books were bundled in the storage room, and Maggie struggled to carry two bundles at once.
Witnessing her struggle, Nathael offered his help, hoisting himself up to assist. After about ten minutes, they had rearranged dozens of books, creating a makeshift bed.
"It seems a bit shaky; it might tip over," Maggie remarked, frowning.
Nathael fetched a short cabinet and positioned it nearby. The makeshift bed was then firmly wedged between the cabinet and the wall, offering protection from the wind and preventing direct floor contact.
"You're a genius!" Maggie exclaimed, her clear, bright eyes showing her appreciation.
Nathael paused, not quite understanding what was so clever about moving a cabinet, but he was pleased by the compliment.
Maggie spread a thinner blanket over the books, planning to leave a thicker one for Nathael. "I didn't manage to find any pillows, so you'll have to make do," Maggie lamented slightly. She felt it a shame that someone as good-looking as Little Mute had to settle for less, but she had no other option.
Chapter 386: Little Moon
Even though Maggie was young, she couldn't shake the feeling that someone like Little Mute should be living in a grand palace, enjoying a life of luxury instead of this dull, cold storage room. But who could understand the ways of the world?
Maggie gave him a piece of chocolate and half a box of cookies, then knocked on the window to ask her friend for some hot water. Perhaps one of the best things about the orphanage was the endless supply of hot water. Unlike the other children, who drank it directly, Maggie always let hers cool, no matter how cold it was. In some aspects, she stood out with her meticulousness and refinement.
"You can use the water in the basin to freshen up a bit, and you can drink from the cup. I have to head back."
Maggie stayed a while longer. They sat on the makeshift bed, leaning against the cold wall, peering out through the top of the low cabinet. Outside the window, darkness enveloped everything, only the moon hanging high in the night sky, gleaming like a gemstone.
Nathael remained silent. As Maggie prepared to leave, he finally called out, "If anyone bothers you, come and tell me." Maggie was surprised, then turned with a broad smile. "Got it, Little Mute. Get well soon."