The orphanage where Mariane was welcomed from infancy was an old building, but it was well cared for. Its red brick façade and large windows with simple curtains gave a sense of warmth and security, despite its aged walls. Upon entering, a feeling of hospitality filled the air. The scent of wood, books, and even homemade food permeated the environment with comfort and gentleness. The place had a peculiar energy, as if the walls carried the history of all those who had passed through it.
The entrance hall was spacious and well-lit, with a wooden floor, the marks of years of use adding a sense of homeliness. The space was decorated with old photographs of children who had been cared for there, all smiling, their eyes full of hope. This photo wall served not only as a reminder but also as a symbol of what the orphanage represented: a temporary home, but full of love.
Just beside the hall was the dining room, where all the children ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Although simple, this space exuded warmth. The wooden tables were always neatly set, and the chairs, though plain, were arranged to encourage interaction. The smell of porridge in the mornings, mixed with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, was unmistakable and gave the children a sense of security, reminding them that, however modest, the orphanage would always be a welcoming refuge.
Dona Helena, the director of the orphanage, was always at the forefront of the operations, with a serene but firm presence. She oversaw everything, from meals to recreational activities. The dining room was the heart of the orphanage, the meeting point where children gathered before starting their daily routines. It was also where disagreements took place. Like all children, Mariane and her friends were not immune to squabbles. But whenever a disagreement arose, Dona Helena was there to resolve it, with the patience and affection that only she possessed.
The orphanage had a large garden at the back, a true paradise for the children. The space was surrounded by a tall fence covered with climbing vines, making it a private area, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Inside the garden, there were fruit trees that provided shade and, in certain seasons, fresh fruits. The children enjoyed playing there during recess, running freely, playing tag, hide-and-seek, and even improvised football.
The football field in the centre of the garden was made of low grass, always well-maintained by the orphanage staff. Although the space was not large, the children loved to play there, and the joy on their faces was contagious. Mariane, with her calm and serene nature, often observed the games from a distance, more interested in exploring the corners of the garden and the secrets it hid. She would sit under the trees, feel the breeze on her face, and, in silence, admire the world around her.
Beside the garden was a small vegetable patch where the children learned to grow plants. It was a place that not only provided fun but also education. Mariane took an interest in the garden, always asking Dona Clara, who was in charge of tending the plants, how seeds transformed into flowers and vegetables. "Every plant has its time to grow, just like us," Dona Clara would say with a smile.
The place also had a simple playground, but it was welcoming. Wooden benches, slides, and swings were scattered around. The children loved to play in this space, and the sound of laughter and chatter filled the air. Mariane spent part of her time there, but she preferred to sit beside others, quietly observing everything with her attentive eyes. She enjoyed watching others play and smile, but found a peaceful joy in being alone, appreciating the simple beauty of life around her.
Inside the orphanage, there was a small classroom, with colourful walls decorated with drawings and works created by the children themselves. The tables were simple wooden ones, with chairs also made of wood, but all carefully arranged. Dona Marta, the teacher, was the one who guided the children on their journey of knowledge. The classroom, with its scent of chalk and books, was the place where Mariane felt most alive, for here she knew she could learn about the world.
Mariane, with her attentive and curious eyes, loved it when the lessons involved stories and literature. She spent the afternoons immersed in fairy tales, fables, and adventures. Each story seemed to expand her small world and ignite her imagination. Dona Marta always praised her for the dedication and enthusiasm with which Mariane approached each lesson. She was especially talented at writing, her drawings accompanying every word of her stories with a care that enchanted everyone around her.
The classroom environment, though simple, was a refuge for learning and growth. Younger children, like Mariane, felt safe there. The colourful walls, adorned with pictures of animals and familiar figures, created a welcoming atmosphere, far from the uncertainties of the outside world. The blackboard at the front of the room was not only where Dona Marta taught, but where Mariane and her friends learned to express their thoughts, share their opinions, and develop their ability to listen and engage in dialogue.
In addition to Dona Helena and Dona Marta, the orphanage had other staff members who played essential roles in the children's daily care. Maria Clara, responsible for organising routines and recreational activities, was one of the most present figures in Mariane's life. She had a special fondness for the girl, always complimenting her dedication to her studies and her calm behaviour. Maria Clara not only managed schedules, but also led extracurricular activities such as music lessons, painting, and dance. She believed these activities helped the children express themselves better and develop emotionally.
Other staff members, such as the caregivers and cooks, also played vital roles in the children's lives. The caregivers were responsible for helping the children with their daily tasks, dressing them, bathing them, and tidying up their toys. The cooks, with their skilled hands, prepared meals with as much care as love. The menu was not varied, but the food was always delicious and made with affection. The children ate together, discussing their day, helping each other, and supporting one another.
Despite the limitations, the orphanage was a place where love and care prevailed. Every gesture, from the simple smile of a staff member to the attentive gaze of Dona Helena, showed that although the orphanage was a temporary place, it was also one of formation and deep affection.
As the daily life of the orphanage continued, Mariane began to notice that something was changing. Dona Helena, who was usually calm, seemed busier and more visibly concerned. There were frequent meetings between her and other members of the team, always speaking in low voices, as if something was being discussed in secret. Maria Clara also seemed distant, often looking at documents that Dona Helena handed her.
Mariane, with her natural curiosity, realised that something was happening, but she didn't know what it was. The other children, especially the older ones, also noticed the changes and began to talk amongst themselves. There was a tension in the air, something was about to happen that seemed to involve all the children at the orphanage in some way. Mariane, although unsure of what was going on, felt that her life in the orphanage was about to change in ways she couldn't yet understand.
The feeling that something was about to be revealed made Mariane uneasy. She didn't know what to expect, but she felt that her life in the orphanage was about to change in ways she couldn't yet comprehend.