Summer in my Winter

Small hands clasp Sister Sabrina's hem. Her young and bewildered face looks scared and about to cry. Today, she will be taken by her adoptive parents. Most of the kids her age are excited and had wish for this day to come. Everyone in Young Hope Orphanage is felling cheerful and lively. It's always chaotic in this cramp up space. It's an old monastery built in the 30's which was formerly a hospital and a place of worship. In the early 80's the place was re-built to an orphanage for abandon kids. Through kind donation, the orphanage was able to send kids to school and provide a conducive place to live for every child. Each year they screen application for adoptive parents and has always been a success! now is no exemption. It's little Layla's turn as a good couple from California - the Alcotts will be adopting her. She's a bright 2 year old girl. She was left at the orphanage when she is just 2 weeks old. Though the orphanage is used to having abandon kids being left through the night, Layla's case was different. Her mother is a 15-year old run away teenager that's been a ward of thr orphanage for 2 years, she does menial task and help in taking care of the kids in return for decent toof and education. She left Layl in search in search of her baby father but never came back since. Layla grew up to be a very beautiful child. She has long golden brown locks, little freckled face that's beaming in the sun, small pointy nose and an unusual piercing blue right eye and golden amber left eye, it's a very rare genetic disorder called heterochromia. She looks a spitting image of her mother, specially their eyes. "Oh look at you dearie".... "such a precious little child"... teary eyed Mrs. Lucilla Alcott exclaimed while she hug Layla. "We will give you a home and a happy family precious one" ... She can't help the sobs and just burst into tears. Mr. Richard Alcott, tried to console his wife. He can see happy she is.... They have been hoping to have their own child for the past 20 years. Maybe God destined them to not have a child of their own as they are to meet and called this child theirs. "You will need to sign on this page Mrs. Alcott" said Sister Sabrina interrupting their moment. "Layla is in excellent health" as she hand the second envelope containing her health record like check-ups, vaccination, allergens and etc. "I need you both to sign these certificat and you can bring Layla home" said Sister Sabrina smiling. She knew that Layla will be in good hands and choosing the Alcotts is fitting and is of the best interest of the child. The orphanage screening for adoptive parents are very meticulous. They make sure that the child will have the safest and secure environment. Mrs. Alcott hold Layla and hug her tight. "You will be safe, my child. You are now called Lexanie....Lexanie Alcott. "Let's go home my sweet" After few goodbyes from other kids, a contented Sister Sabrina sigh as she bid farewell and watch the Alcotts vehicle move past. Most of the sisters are trying to contain their emotion as they gave their goodbye. Surely Layla will be miss by everyone.. But this is for the best...