We all convene in the charity hall as instructed. The charity hall serves as the venue for general gatherings, including year-end parties, Christmas celebrations, and any events organized by the orphanage. It is the sole location, apart from the dining hall, capable of accommodating such gatherings and is the second most elegant space on the premises, following the garden.
It is utilized for elegant assemblies. This ought to serve as an additional clue. The distinguished guests may have arrived for an event. Who possesses knowledge?
We can only speculate until we are informed about the event.
My friends and I typically occupy the rear of the hall during formal events. We favor the location. We receive minimal attention as we are not enthusiasts of such gatherings, which induce discomfort, and we find this undesirable.
"Settle down, everyone," Mr. Bright begins, standing on the stage in the auditorium. He is an American man in his early forties with a buzz cut of red hair and a beard. His brown eyes scan the hall while his pointed nose is perfectly positioned on his face, complementing his full lips.
His voice emanating from the microphone positioned in the stand induces a profound silence in the hall, eliciting a smile as he proceeds.
"We have distinguished guests present today for adoption, and I expect everyone to exhibit proper conduct," he states, effectively quelling our numerous curiosities. As anticipated, the hall becomes inundated with inquiries directed at him from various directions, which only amplifies the smile adorning his face.
Mr. Bright, renowned for his notorious smile, is attired today in a three-piece black suit complemented by a white shirt. This unusual formality piques our curiosity, as he seldom dresses formally, even in the presence of social workers, prompting us to speculate about this group of individuals.
He and his wife have been married for over fifteen years and have three delightful children who visit on weekends, providing enjoyable companionship.
"I request all sixteen-year-old boys and girls to proceed forward, while the remainder should kindly return to the comfort of their rooms. The kitchen staff has prepared some treats, which will be served in your respective rooms," he stated, stepping away from the microphone to observe the movement and enthusiasm of those exiting the hall in anticipation of the baked goods.
The noise of chairs being dragged and children hastily exiting the hall with enthusiasm permeates the space, and within thirty minutes, the previously crowded hall diminishes to a mere handful of individuals.
My friends and I navigate among our peers, deliberately avoiding drawing attention, yet I sense Mr. Bright observing us as we maneuver through the crowd.
"Please take your seats and listen attentively," Mr. Bright instructed us. Once the hall was quiet again, he continued after we were seated.
"Today's guests are exceptional, including some of the most influential couples in the country, so I expect you to conduct yourselves impeccably." He implores us, gazing at each individual with a faint smile.
"They have reviewed all your profiles and files and have made their decisions regarding the individuals they are adopting. The process will be expedited due to their social status, and they will assess how their selections compare with other children. Remember, they are influential, and we also have the most prominent among them," he stated, directing his gaze towards my friends and me, as the previously silent hall became filled with murmurs from every corner.
"Silence, please. Best wishes to all; may you exhibit exemplary conduct, particularly to those chosen. I wish you the utmost success in life and enjoyment." He smiles at us while exiting the hall, likely to invite the guests inside, and based on his remarks about them, I feel envious of those he has adopted, as Mr. Bright appears to hold them in high regard.
I remain absorbed in my thoughts when I sense an object being placed on my lap while glancing beside me. I observe Sky smiling.
"We cannot remain idle, gazing at an unoccupied stage, especially with examinations to prepare for," he remarks, smiling at the book resting on my lap.
"We should persist in our study of Literature, as it is crucial for securing that scholarship, and believe me, it is not as straightforward as it appears," Oceania supports him while opening the book on her lap.
I smiled, aware of their disdain for literature as we immersed ourselves in our books, oblivious to the surrounding world.
The scraping of chairs did not divert our attention from our reading, nor did the screams of other children or the attempts of an individual to silence the commotion.
The sensation of being observed did not divert our attention from our reading; even as I remained engrossed in my book, I heard Oceania murmuring her confusion regarding a chapter.
"Which chapter, Nia?" I inquired of her.
"Chapter 8, the Shakespearean poems," she replies, her attention still focused on her book.
"I am also attempting to comprehend that chapter; it is persuading Hazel," Sky interjects, sounding somewhat mournful.
At that moment, we observed the profound silence of the hall, as though we were the sole occupants. Upon looking up to discern the cause of the quietude, I encountered a pair of hazel eyes gazing back at me, filled with tears and yearning.
I leap up in terror, hearing my friends scream in fear as we observe the couples before us, smiling. The sound of their laughter restores us from our states of fright.
"I apologize, Mr. and Mrs. Marshall, Blacks, and Walkers for their conduct," Mr. Bright expresses on our behalf.
He gazes at us with anticipation, yet we remain uncertain of his expectations. We apologize and take our seats, avoiding eye contact with the couples before us out of trepidation.
"May we converse with her in private?" The man before me addressed Mr. Bright, his gaze fixed on me with evident curiosity.
"Certainly, you may converse with her in my office or any location of your choosing, sir," he responds promptly.
"William, we will be in the garden, if that is acceptable to you," the lady before me states to Mr. Bright, dabbing the tears that had escaped her eyes with a napkin.
"That will not pose a problem, Mrs. Marshall," he replies, gazing at her with concern.
"William, we shall be in your office shortly," states the man before Sky, rising to his feet.
"It would be my honor, Mr. Black," he states with a slight smile.
I appreciate the view of the fountain. "I am aware of our seating arrangement," the woman in front of Oceania remarked, also rising to her feet.
"The view is splendid, Mrs. Walker," Mr. Bright responds with a smile.
Children accompany them. "You are in capable hands," he states, regarding me with a look of perplexity before exiting the hall, leaving us with the couple.
I then observed the vacant hall; we were the only occupants, apart from an unfamiliar individual associated with the prep group, accompanied by a couple.
I observe several men clad in black suits and sunglasses, equipped with earpieces, reminiscent of a secret agent television program I watch at work. There are more than ten of them surveying the area for potential threats.
I observe my friends, who share my apprehension; we exchange nods as we proceed with our assigned couple, flanked by half of the bodyguards in front and the other half trailing behind us.
I glance back at my friends, who mirror my inquiry with the same question in their eyes: "Who are these individuals?"
I follow the couple to the garden, observing the man comforting his wife. Not wishing to intrude on their intimate moment, I tread softly, my mind filled with numerous questions.
I was so absorbed in contemplation that I was unaware when someone grasped my right hand. Upon looking up, I discovered that the hand belonged to my wife.
She smiles at me, revealing her exceptionally white teeth before embracing me tightly, inhaling my presence.
"I apologize." She continues to whisper repeatedly until she withdraws to wipe her tears, marking the second or possibly third instance in which my mere presence inflicts pain upon her, and I remain oblivious to the reasons or actions that have led to this.
"What is the cause of her emotional state, and for what does she express remorse?" I ponder whether she no longer desires my presence; if that is the case, I am perplexed as to why she expresses remorse.
I have always been aware that adoption was unlikely for me, as there are numerous alternatives available. I hope my friends attain a better life than I have, as they are deserving of it.