Our Love

CHAPTER 3

SERAPHINA'S POV

* Few days later*

Fast forward to the days after my meeting with the lovely couple- my new parents, that is, if they don't change their mind, everything went by in a blur.

It was the eve of my departure and my small circle of friends hosted a farewell party for me.

We laughed, danced, and stated up all night, refusing to think about goodbyes.

I didn't drink alcohol, as I was not of the legal age even though they pressured me, so I only passed out from pure exhaustion.

The next morning, I woke with a smile so wide it hurt my cheeks. Today was the day — I was finally getting adopted.

As I glanced at my friends, still asleep and tangled in blankets, a lump formed in my throat. We were more than friends; we were family. I was happy, but it already hurt to leave them behind. I was going to miss them.

Before I prepared to leave, I ran to the river to say my final goodbyes. The river shimmered under the morning sun, and the air smelled of wet earth and hope.

For a long moment, I just stood there, letting the wind brush against my face, memorizing every sound — the ripple of water, the chirping birds, the gentle hum of morning life. This place had been my secret comfort for years.

Finally, I took off my clothes and stepped into the water. The coldness wrapped around me like a farewell embrace as I bathed myself for the last time. Each splash felt like washing away the past — the loneliness, the waiting, the hurt.

When I was done, I put on my clothes and gave the river a bitter smile. Turning my back on it, I whispered softly, “Goodbye.” Then, without looking back, I walked toward my new life.

After I returned, I sat down by my bed, anxiously waiting for their arrival. Bruno sensing my nerves, climbed into the bed, licking my face. his warm tongue, a gentle comfort.

I was dressed in new clothes for the first time in my life- a torquoise, pointy sleeved top and black body hugging trousers.They gifted it to me yesterday. I guess it was to protect the reputation of the orphanage.

Few minutes into the wait, I was called to the Matron's office. My heart lept as I skipped away happily with Bruno trotting beside me.

When I arrived, the papers well already signed. Everything was finalized. I was finally theirs and they prepared to take me home.

They led me outside and to the door of their Porsche, where my box full of new clothes was rolled into the boot. I was awestruck at the beauty and almost drooled.

I was about to open the car door and go in when I was stopped by the bodyguard. He opened the door for me and led me inside.

Just as I signaled for Bruno to come in, I was stopped by mother, "Seraphina, what are you doing?", I answered innocently, "I'm calling Bruno, my friend."

Her face turned different shades of green and she gave a disgusted look. "Seraphina, I'm sorry but we can't bring your friend now. Mummy is allergic to animals, but I assure you, we'll come back to get it."

Heart broken but hopeful, I looked at Bruno, wagging his tail, unaware of what was happening. "I'll come back for you", I whispered blinking back tears.

I closed the car door slowly and held onto that glimmer of hope that I would be reunited with Bruno soon enough.

Well, so to say, I never did.