It had been ten years since Charles was adopted. The orphanage no longer buzzed with laughter like it used to. The once-lively Orphanage was now quiet, almost too quiet.
Inside one of the larger rooms was a neatly made bed, a small wooden shelf, and a large armchair positioned near the window. That was where Charlotte sat every morning. It had become her favorite spot. She liked watching the sunlight pour through the window and fall on the tiled floor.
Today was her birthday.
She used to share this day with Charles. Even after all these years, she still remembered how he made her laugh and always found a way to make the day special. A soft smile curved her lips as old memories danced in her mind. She was happy for him, truly happy. But her life had gone a different way. No one ever adopted her.
Now, she helped Sister Tina take care of the younger children. The same Sister Tina who once told her, "You don't laugh, you don't play. You always look so sickly. Who would want to adopt a child like that?"
Charlotte sighed deeply. She reached for her diary, opened it, and wrote a few words. After sitting in silence for a while, she closed the book gently and stood up. She left her room and walked down the hallway to Sister Tina's office.
She knocked softly.
"Come in," Sister Tina called from inside.
Charlotte stepped in. "Good morning, Sister. Do you have any work for me today?"
"Yes, dear. Please check on the kids in rooms zero to five. Clean up any mess you find."
"Alright," Charlotte said as she turned to leave.
Sister Tina looked up again. "Oh, before I forget… you'll be having a visitor tomorrow. And please, no gloomy face, alright?"
Charlotte gave a small smile. "Okay, Sister."
She left and walked to the restroom. Inside, she leaned over the sink, staring at her reflection in the mirror. She had almost forgotten what her face looked like. The dark skinned, blue eyed girl with hairy side burns. Her heart was racing.
A visitor? Who could it be?
She splashed some water on her face and wiped it dry. Then she walked into one of the children's rooms to begin her cleaning.
As she swept, a small girl, just about five years old, walked up to her. She had chubby cheeks and two funny looking pigtails which Charlotte thought looked cute.
"Good morning, Charlotte," the girl said in a sweet voice.
"Good morning, darling. How was your night?"
"It was good. yours?"
"Mine was short. I was up most of the night… thinking."
"Thinking about wah?"
"Today is my birthday."
The girl's eyes lit up. "Wow! Happy birthday! Charlotte."
"Oh, thank you cutie."
"Please hold on okay? I'll be right back!"
Charlotte chuckled. The little girl was always up to something mysterious.
She brought her Little friends, and they sang a sweet, giggly birthday song. Their small voices filled the room with joy, and Charlotte couldn't help but laugh.
"You kids are amazing," she said, her face glowing.
"You're welcome!" they all shouted together. But as soon as they heard footsteps, the rest of them ran to their beds.
Only the little girl stayed by Charlotte's side.
It wasn't Sister Tina walking in.
It was a tall young man, standing by the doorway.
Charlotte's heart skipped. The man's face looked familiar, but she couldn't place it.
"Who are you?" she asked softly.
He smiled. "I know that bracelet. There's only one girl who wears that around here."
Her eyes widened at the recognition of the voice. "Diego? Oh my goodness! I almost didn't recognize you. It's dark in here and… your face—your eyes… You've grown." She said as she got up from her kneeling position beside the little girl to have a better view of her old time roommate.
He laughed gently. "It's been a long time…look at you. All grown."
"I'm so excited to see you honestly, I didn't even think you were the one when Sister Tina asked me to expect visitors.
"Sister Tina? I didn't even inform her about my plans to visit." Diego replied. This made her realize it wasn't him afterall.
Charlotte grinned. "So… how's everyone?"
"Everyone is doing fine," Diego said. "Charles is abroad with our Dad. He couldn't come, but he told me to visit you. He remembered today is your birthday too."
"That's just like him," Charlotte said, her voice softening. "Thank you for coming."
Diego gave a thoughtful look. "Charlotte… why are you still here?"
She lowered her gaze. "I was never adopted. People came and left. After some years, I guess no one wanted to take in an older kid."
Diego frowned. "I'm sorry. I kinda felt bad for you when Sister Tina informed us."
"It's okay," she said gently.
He turned to the little girl standing beside Charlotte. "What's your name, cutie?"
"My name is Abigail, but you can call me Abby. I'm five years old," she said boldly, just as Sister Tina had taught them to introduce themselves.
"Wow. Nothing's changed around here," Diego said, smiling.
Charlotte laughed. "You can say that again. Sister Tina still runs this place."
"Okay, Abby. Go play with your friends."
"Okay!" she said and ran off cheerfully.
Charlotte looked at Diego. "Will you visit again?"
"Of course. I promise," he said.
She nudged him playfully. "You better mean it."
"I do," he replied. "But honestly, this place hasn't changed at all."
"Neither have you," she said, smiling. "So… when is Charles coming back?"
Diego smirked. "What do I get if I tell you?"
She laughed. "Cmon snap out of it!."
"Fine. He's coming back this year."
"Wow…okayyy."
Diego reached into his bag and handed her a small parcel. "This is from him."
Charlotte held the package close to her chest. "Thank you. That's so sweet of him. I wish I could give him something too…Happy birthday to him though," she said, laughing softly.
"Happy birthday, Charlotte," Diego said as he offered to open the gift parcel for her.
Inside was a shiny gold necklace with a heart shaped pendant.
He helped her put it on.
Charlotte looked at it in the mirror and smiled. "It's beautiful, Diego. Thank you. This has been the best birthday I've had in years."
"You deserve it. I have to leave now before it gets dark."
"So soon?"
"I have to get back home since it's quite far away," he said.
She walked him to the gate, and he hugged her tightly before he got into his car.
"Thanks for everything," she whispered.
He waved as he drove off, and Charlotte stood there for a little while, watching him drive off.
Then she returned to her room and opened the rest of the gift boxes from Charles.
Inside was a soft pink teddy bear, a pair of diamond earrings, and a small handwritten note.
Happy birthday, Charlotte. I haven't forgotten. I'll see you soon. —CHARLES.
That night, Charlotte slept peacefully for the first time in a long while. It had truly been a beautiful day.