Celeste’s hand trembled slightly as she held a glass of water. She asked in disbelief, “Where is she?”
“Eloise is at a very remote orphanage on the outskirts, located 18.64 miles from here. I’m sending you the address now. Make sure you have all the documents you need so that you can bring her home today.”
“Got it.” The instant she hung up, a location pin appeared on her WhatsApp, along with the contact number for the orphanage director. Before setting off, Celeste called the orphanage director to inquire about Eloise’s well-being.
She wasted no time collecting the required paperwork, hurried out of the house, and, upon confirming Eloise was there, took a cab to the orphanage. It was nearly 11:00 am by the time she arrived. Unfamiliar with Celeste, the security guard halted her progress immediately. “Excuse me, miss,” he inquired, “can I help you? Do you have a scheduled visit?” It was evident that this orphanage followed a more stringent set of protocols compared to others she had encountered. Celeste presented her phone to the security guard, displaying the recent call log with the director, and clearly articulated Eloise’s name. After a quick verification call to the director, the security guard finally granted her access.
The meticulous management of the orphanage led Celeste to believe that the children’s education would also be of a high standard. However, no sooner had she entered the building than she witnessed a group of children ganging up on a little girl. Barely had Celeste’s foot touched the first step when a young girl’s distressed cries echoed from upstairs. “Leave me alone! I’m going to tell the director if you don’t stop!”
“Oh, go ahead and tell the director then! Go on and tell!”
“Ah! That hurts.”
Celeste rushed upstairs to see several older girls ganging up on a younger one. With no adults in sight to deter them, their cruelty continued unabated, a relentless barrage of kicks and blows. Wearing a pink dress and with her hair in two braids, the little girl was nonetheless covered head-to-toe in dirt. Huddled into a ball, she used her hands as a shield for her face, tucking it down toward her knees. Her face was so effectively hidden behind her hands and pressed into her knees that Celeste couldn’t make out her features.
“Stop it right now! What do you think you’re doing?” Celeste stormed over and pushed the older girls away from the little girl. The girls didn’t dare to act further and quickly left when they saw her.
The little girl heard her voice and immediately raised her head. Celeste was instantly stunned when she saw the girl’s face. Wasn’t she Dolse? Joyce had shown her a photo of Eloise when she was in prison. Dolse was so beautiful that it left a deep impression on her. Eloise looked so identical to Joyce that Celeste instantly recognized her.
“Eloise? You’re Eloise Barker, aren’t you?”
When Eloise’s gaze met Celeste’s, the terror and anxiety in her eyes softened, morphing into a look of innocent confusion at Celeste’s kind face. Eloise asked in a soft, innocent tone, “Who are you, miss? Do you know me?”
“Your mother sent me. I’m here to take you away from this place. Would you like to leave with me now?”