Camila drove that night to the orphanage. When they arrived, She parked by the side and they got out of the car, walking slowly through the dark, quiet path that led to It. Each step felt heavier than the last. Camila clutched the baby to her chest, her heart pounding in her ears.
They were almost at the gate when they heard footsteps. Both women froze.
Someone was coming.
Without thinking, they ducked behind a nearby hedge, holding their breath. From where they crouched, they saw a feminine figure dressed in all black approaching the orphanage entrance. She carried a baby in her arms.
The young teenager looked around quickly, checking to make sure no one was watching. Then, with a swift motion, she placed the child on the doorstep and hurried away, not caring to at least ring the doorbell.
Camila gasped softly. "Grace… Did you see that?"
Grace nodded. "Yeah. She dropped the baby off."
Camila looked down at her own child, then back at the orphanage steps. "That's not what I meant tho… she didn't even bother to put that poor baby in a carrier. I'm glad I'm with one which could be big enough for both of them."
Grace gave her a look. "You mean… you want to make that your concern? Girl, let's go in and speak to the sisters."
Camila lowered her eyes. "I can't. I just feel ashamed. I failed as her mother already… what do i wanna go in there to talk about?."
Grace placed a hand on her shoulder. "Cam, I understand that this is the hardest thing you've ever done. But you're doing it for her. You're giving her a chance. She will be safe here with the reverend sisters. She won't even transform here because the owners of this orphanage are strong catholics. I promise you—I would never suggest this if I thought there was another way."
Camila stood there silently, the wind brushing her face. After a long pause, she reached into her bag and took out a piece of paper. Her hands trembled as she wrote:
My dear Rita M.,
Please forgive me. I did what I thought was best for you. I hope you grow up strong, safe, and loved. I will always carry you in my heart.
She folded the note, placed it in an envelope, and wrote on the front:
"My Dear Rita M."
Then, she took out the silverwood pendant off the necklace which Mav gifted her and placed it on the oversized bracelet on her baby's tender wrist. She also pulled out a beautifully embroidered handkerchief and gently tucked it into the carrier beside her sleeping child. The other baby was just so cute, resting peacefully under a blue floral blanket. She carried him and placed him right beside her daughter in the carrier.
Camila stared at her daughter for a long moment. Her eyes filled with tears, and her lips trembled. She bent down, kissed her baby's forehead, and whispered, "I love you."
Grace gave her a soft pat on the back, then stepped forward and pressed the doorbell.
They quickly moved back to their hiding place behind the tree, close enough to watch.
A few seconds later, the door creaked open. A slim woman, likely in her late-fourties, stepped out in a long housecoat. Her face looked tired. She glanced down and froze at the sight of the two babies nestled together in the basket.
She looked around, scanning the quiet street.
But no one was in sight.
With a long sigh, she knelt down, picked up the carrier, and gently brought it inside. Before closing the door, she paused, looked around one more time, and shook her head in disbelief.She was probably used to this. Then she disappeared inside.
Camila broke down completely.
Tears poured down her face as she clung to Grace's arm. Her body shook with quiet sobs as she whispered, "I hope she forgives me one day."
Grace held her close, saying nothing.
The silence of the night wrapped around them again, but this time, it felt heavier.