Chapter 5: The Matron's Return
1099 Words
Time drifted forward in that peculiar, strained atmosphere. Regardless of anyone’s wishes, the wheel of time continued to turn.
The children of the orphanage had initially hoped to secretly relish Thea’s fear, wanting to see her tremble—as if only that could prove their victory in the game of isolating her.
Thea was well aware of their intentions, but she paid them little mind. She maintained her own rhythm: organizing the plotlines she recalled, taking walks outside, helping nearby residents with small tasks, and playfully gathering information about this world from them with feigned innocence.
With her sweet smile and quick wit, Thea soon became known among the locals as the most well-behaved child in the area.
Only Jennifer seemed to hold a grudge about this, but outside their dormitory, she resumed her usual obedient and sensible demeanor.
The orphanage had been unusually lively these past few days. The children had stopped misbehaving, becoming so well-mannered that even the guard marveled at it, repeatedly praising the Matron’s management skills to Thea for how she’d tamed these little troublemakers.
It wasn’t just the children who had changed; the few adults in the orphanage also became more diligent. Even the stingy accountant, Connie, had allocated funds to purchase new clothes for the children, hoping to present a better image.
The distinct clip-clop of horse hooves sounded outside, followed by a long whinny as a carriage came to a stop at the orphanage gates.
Wintha had begun organizing the children into two lines at the entrance two hours prior. They had expected Matron Green to arrive shortly, but the wait had dragged on.
The chilly early winter wind swept over the high walls, mercilessly biting into the children. Cold and hunger made the crowd restless. When the carriage finally stopped before them, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
Thea focused her gaze: first, a pale hand came into view, followed by a middle-aged woman leaning halfway out of the carriage. She seemed genuinely surprised to see the neatly lined-up children.
She immediately waved enthusiastically toward the crowd. Wintha stepped forward to help her down, and the woman accepted the assistance, gracefully alighting.
Her first action upon stepping down was to turn back toward the carriage and call out warmly, “Darcy! We’re here. Come out, my poor dear. Who would have thought motion sickness could be so tormenting?”
The person inside moved swiftly. Before Matron Green could finish speaking, a young woman stepped down from the carriage with practiced ease.
The simple action seemed to alarm Matron Green, who hurriedly supported the young woman, as if afraid she might stumble or fall.
Thea looked on, a flicker of admiration in her eyes: the woman wore a wide-brimmed hat, a few strands of hair escaping from beneath it. Her pale complexion made her appear fragile. Beautiful long curls were tied back with a white ribbon, and her skirt billowed like a blooming flower. Matron Green gazed at the girl with unmistakable pride.
The idyllic scene was shattered by a sudden cough.
Matron Green snapped back to reality, a flash of irritation crossing her face before vanishing instantly.
Turning to the orphanage residents, she resumed her enthusiastic expression. “Come inside, my darlings! It’s so cold—I simply must give you all double hot chocolate!”
The children’s discontent melted away instantly, replaced by visions of double hot chocolate. They cheered and rushed toward the dining hall.
Thea and Jennifer lingered at the back. Walking at a leisurely pace, Thea suddenly felt a gaze on her back. When she turned, she only saw Matron Green and several others escorting the young woman named Darcy away.
—
Entering their room, Thea wasn’t surprised to find Jennifer once again assaulting her poor pillow. She sighed softly and rescued the pillow from Jennifer’s clutches.
Seeing Thea take the pillow without a word, Jennifer’s resentment swelled. “You’re ignoring me too!” she cried, her voice trembling. “Do you like that Darcy just like everyone else?”
Thea pulled out a handkerchief and wiped Jennifer’s tears away, speaking gently, “I only just saw her for the first time. How could I possibly like her already?”
Jennifer was easily soothed. Her tears stopped almost immediately.
Seizing the opportunity, Thea continued, “Even if everyone likes Darcy, she won’t be here long. Once she leaves, you’ll still be the most likable one.”
Jennifer finally calmed down. Seeing this, Thea changed the subject. “But didn’t you notice? Matron Green’s attitude toward Darcy seems… off.”
Prompted, Jennifer thought back. “Now that you mention it, she does seem overly fond of her. But it feels exaggerated, doesn’t it?”
“Does it feel like she’s treating Darcy as if she’s made of porcelain? Afraid she might break at any moment?”
Jennifer’s eyes widened. “Yes! Exactly like porcelain!”
Satisfied that Jennifer was fully engaged and no longer drowning in self-pity, Thea relaxed. She returned to the desk, took out paper and pen, and began writing and sketching again.
“What are you writing?” Jennifer asked curiously, leaning in.
“I’m recording what happened today.”
Hearing this, Jennifer smirked. “A diary? How boring. Who even keeps a diary?”
Thea glanced at her in surprise. Seeing only genuine boredom on Jennifer’s face, she inwardly agreed: True, who does keep a diary?
Noting Jennifer’s restlessness, Thea’s eyes gleamed. “How about you do me a favor? Go find out everything you can about Darcy—every detail. If you can learn why she’s back, even better. Will you, Jennifer?”
Jennifer was initially reluctant, but seeing Thea lower her head and ignore her immediately after speaking—as if it were just a casual remark—irritated her.
Annoyed by Thea’s lack of sincerity in asking for help, Jennifer stormed out to gather information, vowing to make Thea beg for the details later.
Listening to the sound of Jennifer’s angry footsteps fading away, Thea finally looked up toward the door, the corners of her eyes curving into a fox-like, cunning smile. So what if the trick is old? It works.
Returning to her thoughts, she absently twirled her pen, recalling Matron Green’s peculiar attitude. Her confusion grew.
If there wasn’t something to gain, why would she make such a spectacle of highlighting Darcy’s special status?
She revisited every memory of Darcy: the excessively pale face, the slightly loose dress, the absence of makeup or extravagant jewelry. The more she thought, the more her smile widened.
Things were getting more interesting.
- Writer
