The years passed slowly, but Mariane began to transform. The little girl who, at just 11 months, had been left at the door of the orphanage with large, innocent eyes and a fragile body, began to show the first signs of growth. Each day was a new challenge and a new discovery. And, with the help of Dona Helena, Maria Clara, and everyone around her, she was learning to cope with the obstacles that came her way, all while blossoming in the environment of love and care that the orphanage provided.
Mariane began to take on small responsibilities at the orphanage, something that reflected in her behaviour. By the time she turned four, she had become one of the most thoughtful children, helping the younger ones with simple tasks like tidying up the toys or putting their clothes in the laundry basket. She loved to wipe down the dining table after lunch, her small arms stretching to reach the edges, but always with a proud smile, as though it were the most important job in the world.
Dona Helena, always attentive and proud of her progress, would often watch her from afar, feeling an emotion that was hard to describe. It was as though Mariane was a delicate flower she had nurtured, seeing her grow with so much care. Dona Helena knew that the marks of Mariane's abandonment would never be completely erased, but hope for her future was increasingly present.
Despite all the love she received, Mariane still had a touch of sadness in her eyes, a reflection of what she had experienced before being welcomed. There were times when she would distance herself from the other children and sit quietly, watching the activities from a distance, as though she felt something was missing, though not fully understanding what it was. She did not yet comprehend the absence of her biological parents, and although Dona Helena spoke to her often about how loved she was, the emptiness seemed to grow at times, particularly during holidays like Christmas when everyone celebrated with their families.
By the age of six, the girl was bright and curious. When lessons began, Mariane proved to be an eager student. With every new lesson, her eyes sparkled, eager to learn more. She quickly understood the importance of education and, with the support of the carers, became one of the top students in her class. Dona Helena would always say, with pride:
"Mariane, you have a brilliant mind, my dear. Never stop learning."
In mathematics, she would solve problems with ease, drawing numbers with the same precision as she would play with her dolls. In reading, she was quick and eager to discover new words. Mariane's enthusiasm for learning was contagious, inspiring others to focus more and dedicate themselves to their studies. When there was something she didn't immediately understand, she would persist, grabbing the book again and trying to make sense of it, absorbed in her notes with a concentration that was impressive for someone so young.
In addition to her studies, Mariane excelled in art activities. She loved painting and drawing, and her talent for creating vibrant images was something that charmed everyone around her. Mariane's drawings were like true works of art, always reflecting a colourful world full of emotions. Pictures of children playing together, blooming trees, and even hearts drawn with all the sweetness she felt deep inside. Art was perhaps one of the purest ways for Mariane to express her emotions, to communicate with the world without words.
Despite her sweet nature, Mariane, like any child, encountered difficulties in getting along with others at first. The orphanage wasn't just a place of refuge, but also a space where many other children, with different histories, shared the same environment. Some of these children had very different life experiences from Mariane's, and this was not always easy to navigate.
When Mariane was about five, she began to interact more with the other children. She used to play with the younger girls, especially Lúcia, a four-year-old with whom she developed a very special friendship. Together, they spent their afternoons building block castles and playing house. They understood each other well and shared laughter, but, as is natural among children, they also went through disagreements.
One afternoon, Mariane and Lúcia argued over a toy. Mariane, always calm but determined, didn't want to share the toy as Lúcia insisted. The conflict escalated until they both started shouting. Maria Clara, who was nearby, heard the shouting and approached. With her characteristic patience, she sat down with the two and helped them understand that, sometimes, the most important thing wasn't to win or lose, but to learn to respect one another.
"Mariane," said Maria Clara softly, "what do you think you could do to make sure both of you are happy with the game?"
Mariane, still with a furrowed brow, thought for a moment and, with the look of a child wanting to make peace, suggested, "How about we play together, with the toy at the same time, and then we swap?"
Lúcia, with a shy smile, agreed. The two hugged and followed Mariane's suggestion. This experience of resolving a conflict with understanding and empathy was an important step in Mariane's emotional development.
In the days that followed, she began to interact better with the other children, becoming more aware of the importance of respecting others' space and wishes. This type of learning wasn't easy, but with the carers' support, Mariane became more mindful of herself and the impact of her actions on those around her.
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**A Special Girl**
Now, at the age of seven, Mariane was a lively and curious girl. Her thirst for knowledge had not waned; on the contrary, she was even more determined to learn and discover the world around her. Dona Helena, realising her pupil's potential, began preparing her for bigger challenges. She believed that Mariane had great abilities, and she couldn't let her settle into a comfortable environment without pushing her limits.
She enrolled Mariane in a local school for children from the neighbourhood. Dona Helena wanted to give her the opportunity for a broader education, with new experiences and perspectives. The idea of meeting other children and learning from new teachers excited Mariane, who was already showing signs of wanting to explore the world beyond the orphanage.
However, entering the outside world wouldn't be so simple. Mariane would soon realise, more than ever, the differences between her life and those of the other children. Although she was loved and well cared for, questions about her origins and why she was in the orphanage would naturally arise.
She would eventually have to face questions about her biological parents, and although Dona Helena had been a mother figure to her, the emptiness in Mariane's past would soon surface. How would she handle this new phase in her life?
Dona Helena knew that this would be one of the most difficult moments in Mariane's life. But she also knew that the girl was strong, and with the right support, she would face this challenge and emerge stronger than ever.
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**Preparing for the Future: A Growing Girl**
As Mariane approached this new phase in her life, when questions about her origins and the emptiness of her story would become inevitable, she would need to face the outside world in a new way. The orphanage, which had always been her home, would no longer be the only place where she felt safe. She would have to confront her questions about who she was, who her parents were, and why they left her behind.
Dona Helena knew that this would be a challenging time for Mariane, but also that, with all the love and care that had surrounded her, Mariane would be ready for the next chapter in her life.