Operation: Threads of Connection

Curse You

Anya's POV:

"What's your name honey," the elderly woman asked. She was a few feet taller than me. Her hair was tied into a bun, but I can tell she had just woken up. A few wrinkles formed on her forehead as her eyebrows furrowed in concern. Somehow, I felt a sense of comfort being around her. I think the bare minimum I could do is give her my name.

"Ania," I reply softly. I grabbed Mr. Chimera from my shirt, I found comfort playing with his soft belly. I was too nervous to look up at the elderly lady. I could feel she was looking at me.

"What a beautiful name, you can call me Mrs. Evelyn! You don't have to be afraid dear, come inside you must be hungry!" She said opening the old wooden door.

I hesitated for a moment but then took a deep breath and followed her inside. The interior of the building was cozy and warm, filled with the scent of fresh bread and herbs. The walls were adorned with old photographs and paintings, giving the place a nostalgic charm.

"Sit down, sweetie. I'll get you something to eat," Mrs. Evelyn said, guiding me to a small wooden table in the kitchen. I sat down, still clutching Mr. Chimera, and watched as she moved around the kitchen with surprising agility for someone her age.

As she prepared a meal, she glanced back at me. "Is he okay?" she whispered to me. Who was she talking about?

"Who?" I ask curiously.

"My son, the one who helped you escape..." She asked in a worried tone. I realized than that the friendly scientist was her son!

"He said he would try to meet up with me as soon as he could," I reply thinking back to our last conversation. "He's very nice,he used to bring me peanuts! I really want to see him again. He's my friend," I reply giving her a smile.

Mrs.Evelyn's eyes softened, as she gave me a kind smile. "Well, you're safe here. My home is always open to those in need."

She placed a plate of warm bread and a bowl of hearty soup in front of me. The smell was intoxicating, and my stomach growled in response. I looked up at her, my eyes wide with gratitude.

"Thank you," I whispered, picking up a piece of bread and taking a small bite. It was delicious, and I felt a warmth spread through my body that had nothing to do with the food.

Mrs. Evelyn sat down across from me, watching me eat with a gentle expression. "You remind me of my granddaughter. She used to visit me often before she moved away. It's nice to have company again."

I smiled shyly. "I'm glad I found this place then."

She reached across the table and patted my hand. "Me too, dear. Me too."

As I continued to eat, I felt a sense of calm settle over me. For the first time in a while, I felt safe and cared for. And in that moment, I knew that I had found not just shelter, but a friend in Mrs. Evelyn.

A couple of weeks passed by, and I settled into life at Mrs. Evelyn's orphanage. It was a small, cozy home filled with laughter and warmth, much like Mrs. Evelyn herself. There were five other children living there: Kayla, Oliver, Max, Cassidy, and Mia. We all came from different backgrounds, each with our own stories and struggles, but under Mrs. Evelyn's care, we found a sense of belonging and family.

Kayla was the oldest, a fifteen-year-old with a nurturing spirit. She often helped Mrs. Evelyn in the kitchen and took on a big-sister role for the rest of us. Oliver, who was twelve, had a mischievous streak but a heart of gold. He loved to play pranks but was always quick to apologize. Max, also twelve, was quiet and thoughtful, often found with his nose buried in a book. Cassidy, ten, had a love for animals, often playing his harp in the barn, while Mia, the youngest at eight, was full of energy and curiosity. She always wore a big red bow right in the center of her head.