Caleb embodied the qualities Director Mikaela had hoped for in a young boy - friendly, gentle, understanding, and loyal. Despite being one of the oldest boys in the orphanage, Caleb steadfastly refuses to be adopted, rooted in the deep love he felt for his chosen family, especially Director Mikaela. His passion for working with children blossomed, and when Director Mikaela fell gravely ill, Caleb took charge, caring for her as well as the other children at Domus Orphanage. At just 12 years old, Caleb had already achieved remarkable accomplishments. Director Mikaela couldn't feel any more proud. "Great heavens, I'm flattered by the provision this young boy hath given me... Still I ponder about the day, he finally figures out about his true origins…"
One rainy evening, while diligently sweeping the reception area of the orphanage, Caleb spotted a distressed young girl crying outside the orphanage porch. Scars and bruises covering her arms.
Initially Caleb was startled and unsure of the danger that might befall him, Unfortunately it was never in Caleb's nature to see people in pain. Caleb built up the courage to open the door and invited the girl inside, mindful of the risk of dangers brought upon by the weather.
Approaching the wounded girl, Caleb, almost stumbling on the slippery floors, rushed outside. "Are you alright? You're bleeding?!... Come with me, please," he said with deep concern, assessing the girl's wounds and scars. Without hesitation, Caleb took and carried the injured girl in his arms and hurriedly brought her inside the sanctuary of the Orphanage. Gently Caleb laid the wounded girl on the orphanage couch. Throughout the night, the wounded girl remained silent, even as Caleb offered her coffee and milk. Tears began to well up in her eyes as Caleb returned with the beverages.
Determined not to witness tears in the orphanage, Caleb approached the girl with a soothing voice, setting the coffee and milk on the glass table. "It's alright to cry. I understand that you've been through something terrible, but I'm here to help you. My name is Caleb. Can you tell me your name?" Overwhelmed by her emotions, the wounded girl looked at Caleb's eyes, soon collapsing in Caleb's arms.
Swiftly, Caleb carried the girl practically sprinting to the orphanage clinic for urgent medical attention. Upon obtaining the rightful medicine, he noticed tears streaming down the wounded girl's face as she laid there resting, finally at peace. With a heavy heart, Caleb leans in forward embracing her tightly, unaware of the great pain she had endured.
While the girl was still in a deep slumber, Caleb slowly and gently started tending to her wounds. Ensuring that every wound would be cleaned and sterilized. Caleb watched over the girl as she peacefully rested throughout the night, securely nestled in his arms.
When morning finally came a bright ray of sunlight pierced through the city of London, Caleb was startled to find the wounded girl absent from his side. Worried, he searched every corner of the orphanage—kitchen, rooms, courtyard, and rooftops—but she was nowhere present. Finally, he ventured into the garden and, through the bushes, caught sight of her beside the peaceful water lilies. Her scars had been patched up and bandaged, and she wore a smile on her face. The girl finally spoke, "Nice to meet you, I'm Nicollette… Nicollette Anderson. In a calming voice similar to that of an angel, she reassured Caleb, saying, "Hello… I apologize about the fiasco last night. I'm alright now and am grateful for your aid to me."
Caleb replied appalled from Nicollette's beauty, "Hey, it's water under the bridge, Nicollette. We all have difficult times, and sometimes we need someone to assist us. I'm here for you."
"Thank you Caleb. Unfortunately, I'll have to leave soon. Grateful, Nicollette responded. "I can't afford to burden any of you any longer." Nicollette added as she started to leave.
Concerned for Nicollette's well-being, Caleb replied practically grabbing Nicollette's shoulders, "No, don't go, it's okay if you stay here. I'm certain Director Mikaela won't mind if you stay. She's always ready to take everyone with arms wide open. takes care of us all. I can tell she'll welcome you in as well."
Overjoyed, Nicollette took Caleb's offer to stay. In Fact the director was gratified to notice that Caleb had already returned the favor at his young age. "I couldn't be more happy to see you looking out for others." Director Mikaela said to Caleb praising him for his great chivalry. "I assure you will be happy here Nicollette… Welcome to the family." The Director uttered to Nicollette. Without hesitation Nicollette proceed to return the gratitude by hugging her new family.
Over the following months, Caleb and Nicollette continued to develop a deep friendship, their bond growing stronger each day. They enjoyed watching sunsets together, preparing breakfast for the other children, and looking after Director Mikaela as she grew older and older. Wherever they went, they remained inseparable.
On one occasion, Caleb and Nicollette took center stage as the leading actors in a play hosted by Domus Orphanage. The play, a rendition of Sleeping Beauty, captivated the audience, gaining the orphanage widespread popularity throughout London.
Director Mikaela, brimming with pride, expressed her delight and joy. As a token of her appreciation, she treated the children to a small banquet, promising that they would all grow into exceptional individuals who would consistently care for others in their time of need. Caleb carried Director Mikaela's words in his heart as he ventured into the years to come. It was a time of great happiness and contentment.
Several months later, as time went on, Director Mikaela reached the point of retirement. Prior to her departure, the orphans organized a heartfelt farewell celebration for her. Emotions ran high as everyone, including Caleb and Nicollette, expressed their gratitude through thank-you messages and farewell notes.
In his letter, Caleb wrote, "Your kindness has been overflowing. The knowledge and bond we share together is more than time can tell. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Mom... I will love you forevermore."
Director Mikaela, in tears, replied, "Caleb... I am grateful for every moment we've been through. Take care of yourself, and continue to pursue your passions. You will become an exceptional man. I foresee us that one day I will be the one ready to take care of you once more."
Gratified by the director's response, Caleb couldn't help but to let the floodgates loose as waterworks flowed from his face.
Following Caleb, Nicollette stepped forward to express her heartfelt sentiments, saying, "Mom, thank you for all the years you've spent with us. We wish we could be with you forever, caring for you until your final moments. Every lesson and every moment I will never forget. We promise to look after our brothers and sisters. You can count on us. I love you, Mom..."
Director Mikaela grasped her daughter tightly "I might not have a long time with you, but you proved more valuable than any jewel in this world. I foresee you that one day you will take my place and one day be a great director."
Overwhelmed with emotions, Director Mikaela embraced both Nicollette and Caleb tightly.
Through tears of joy, Director Mikaela spoke joyfully but also with sadness, "Saying goodbye is never easy. Take care, both of you. I have faith that we will meet again someday, and I will be ready to care for you."
And on that night, Director Mikaela retired, making way for a new director to carry on her legacy.