"WELCOME BACK, sister Lizzie" All children shouted together to welcome her.
The children's enthusiastic welcome brought tears to Lizzie's eyes. "Thank you, my dear little sisters and brothers," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "Oh, you've all grown so much!" She beamed, hugging them tightly. "Well, I brought so many chocolates for you all."
As she distributed the chocolates she had brought, the children's faces lit up. "Yes, sis Lizzie, we've grown up, and we have new family members now. Come meet them," they chimed in unison.
Lizzie warmly greeted the new additions to the family, feeling a sense of joy and belonging. She turned to the sisters, who had been like mothers to her. "Sister Ruthu, Sister Julia, Sister Sarah, I'm back. How have you all been without me?"
Sister Sarah's eyes sparkled as she replied, "We're doing well, Lizzie. But our home feels complete again now that you're back. Laughter has returned." Sister Ruthu added, "Tell us, how was your time abroad? We were worried about you studying in a foreign country."
The girl's face softened, and she took a deep breath, ready to share her experiences with the people she loved.
Just then, a voice spoke from behind them. "Luzella~"
The warm, gentle voice sent a wave of nostalgia and love through her. She turned around, and her eyes met Mother Lucy's, filled with warmth and affection. "Mother Lucy!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion as she rushed into her open arms.
Mother Lucy enveloped her in a loving hug. "My Luzella is back," she whispered, her voice filled with joy and relief.
"I've missed you so much, mother Lucy."
Mother Lucy's voice was soothing as she stroked Luzella's hair. "I've missed you too, my child." She held Luzella at arm's length, studying her face. "You're looking a bit worn out, though. Long journey?"
Luzella smiled weakly, feeling a mix of exhaustion and happiness. "It was fine, Mother. I'm just glad to be home."
The warmth in Mother Lucy's eyes said she understood more than Luzella was letting on. "Come, let's get you settled in. You must be starving."
The scene was met with gentle smiles from the other sisters and children. Soon, the group gathered around the table to share a meal together.
As they sat down to eat, Mother Lucy said, "Let's give thanks for the Luzella's safe return and for the blessings we have." The room fell silent for a moment as they gave thanks, and then the clinking of utensils and lively conversation filled the air.
The atmosphere was filled with love, warmth, and a sense of togetherness.
After the meal, the children said their goodbyes and headed off to bed, accompanied by the sisters who helped them settle in for the night. As the orphanage grew quiet, Mother Lucy beckoned Luzella to follow her, and they walked together to Mother Lucy's room, the soft glow of the night lights guiding their way. The atmosphere was peaceful, with only the occasional creak of the floorboards breaking the silence. Once inside the room, Mother Lucy closed the door.
Mother Lucy instructed Luzella to take a seat in the chair, and then she walked over to the safe locker in her room. With a gentle click, the locker opened, revealing its contents. She carefully retrieved a necklace from within and closed the locker. Returning to Luzella, Mother Lucy extended her hand, the necklace glinting in the soft light of the room. "It's yours, Luzella dear."
Luzella's eyes widened in surprise as she looked at the necklace in Mother Lucy's hand, and then at Mother Lucy's face. "Mine?" she asked, her voice filled with wonder.
Mother Lucy smiled and nodded, her eyes shining with warmth. "Yes, dear, it's yours," she said, her voice gentle and reassuring.
Luzella's gaze returned to the necklace, and she reached out a hesitant hand to take it, her fingers closing around the delicate chain and pendant.
Mother Lucy's eyes gazed into the past as she began to explain, her voice filled with a mix of nostalgia and warmth. "One day, a middle-aged man entrusted you to me and gave me this necklace. That was the day I took you to this orphanage." she said, her words painting a vivid image in Luzella's mind.
"He gave me specific instructions to give you this necklace when you turn 22 years old." Mother Lucy's eyes locked onto Luzella's, her gaze intense. "And he emphasized that after you reach 22, you should always wear this necklace," she added, her voice filled with a sense of importance. Luzella's eyes widened as she listened, her mind racing with questions about the mysterious man.
Luzella looked at the necklace, it featured a golden chain with a sun pendant, adorned with a small stone at its center of the sun shone like a tiny gem, surrounded by intricately crafted sun rays that seemed to emanate from it. The pendant's beauty was both simple and elegant.
Luzella felt a sense of wonder and connection to the necklace who had given it to her. She turned the pendant over in her hands, studying it carefully, and wondered about the story behind it and the person who had entrusted her to Mother Lucy.
"Who is he, mother Lucy?" Luzella asked curiously to know more about him.
Mother Lucy told to Luzella "He told me he is your.....