The Last Farewell
February, 1912
Fourteen-year-old Lina lay peacefully in her bed, her golden hair spread across the pillow like threads of sunlight. Her delicate features looked serene as she slept, untouched by the pain that waited just moments away. The room was silent, until the soft sound of footsteps broke through the quiet.
A woman in her thirties, with dark skin and worried eyes, entered the room. She approached slowly, gently placing a hand on Lina's shoulder, her voice shaking:
— Lina, sweetheart… wake up.
Lina's eyes fluttered open, confused at first, until she saw the familiar face of Mrs. Maylisha. But tonight, her kind smile was missing. Lina sat up quickly.
— Mrs. Maylisha? What's wrong?
Maylisha hesitated before speaking, her voice trembling:
— It's your father… he's dying.
Lina's heart dropped. It felt like all the air had been sucked from the room. She wasn't ready—not after losing her mother during Edward's birth seven years ago. Without another word, she ran down the hallway, her heart pounding in her ears.
When she pushed open her father's door, the sight stole her breath. Her once-strong father lay pale and still in bed, surrounded by solemn doctors. The servants stood back, eyes filled with silent sorrow.
Lina stepped closer, her voice barely audible:
— Father… please… don't leave us like she did. Don't leave Edward and me alone.
Her father opened his eyes with great effort. He lifted a shaking hand to her cheek and whispered:
— Be strong, my little girl… don't let life break your spirit. Take care of Edward. I'll always be with you, even if you can't see me. I love you more than anything in this world.
His voice faded. His hand lingered on her cheek for a moment, then fell away.
Lina collapsed onto his chest, sobbing uncontrollably. Her cries echoed in the room. She clung to him desperately, as if she could bring him back through sheer will.
A few minutes later, Edward walked in. His wide eyes were full of fear.
— Did… did Father die? he asked in a trembling voice.
Lina couldn't speak. Her tears and silence told him everything. Edward ran to her, wrapping his arms around her as they cried together, wrapped in grief.
The Cursed Orphanage
Five Days Later
Lina stood silently by her father's grave, dressed in black. Edward stood behind her, holding the edge of her dress, his small fingers trembling.
— Let's go home, sister… he whispered. I feel like I can't breathe here.
Lina glanced at him, then gave a small nod. She took his hand, and they began walking home, the silence between them filled with sorrow. But when they arrived, they saw a horse-drawn carriage parked outside.
At first, they thought it belonged to one of their father's friends. But then a woman stepped out.
She looked to be in her forties, with sharp features, thin lips, and a cold expression. Her hair was tightly pulled back, and everything about her screamed strictness. There was no warmth in her gaze.
— My condolences, she said flatly. I'm Grace Wilson, director of the orphanage for children who have lost their guardians. Since you're both minors, you'll be taken into care immediately.
Lina stepped forward, her voice firm despite her fear:
— We can take care of ourselves!
Grace ignored her.
— This isn't your choice. You'll come with us, whether you like it or not.
She motioned toward the carriage.
— Get in willingly, or I'll be forced to act. I'd rather not have to.
Edward clung to Lina. She took a step back, but Grace grabbed her wrist tightly.
— Don't make me use force, Lina.
They had no choice. Lina and Edward climbed into the carriage, their hearts heavy and full of dread.
When they arrived, the orphanage looked like something out of a nightmare. The building was old and crumbling, its brown bricks stained and cracked. A rusty iron fence surrounded it. The windows were blocked with thick curtains, keeping the sunlight out. The overgrown garden was dead and wild, and the roof sagged as if ready to collapse.
The front door creaked loudly as it opened. Grace turned to the children with the same cold tone:
— You'll be separated. Edward will go to the boys' building. Lina, you'll stay with the girls.
— No! Edward cried. I don't want to leave my sister!
Lina's eyes filled with panic.
— Please! We've never been apart!
Grace didn't blink.
— These are the rules.
A large man came and pulled Edward away. Lina tried to hold onto him, but Grace yanked her back. Lina screamed her brother's name, her voice breaking with fear—but no one listened.
She was thrown into a room filled with girls. Grace spoke coldly:
— Isabella, give this girl her clothes and explain the rules.
Then she left without another word.
A girl with soft features and shining green eyes stepped forward. She looked about sixteen and smiled kindly.
— I'm Isabella. Don't worry—you're safe here. What's your name?
— Lina… she whispered.
— That's a lovely name. Let me explain how things work around here.
She leaned in closer.
— We wake up early, make our beds, and do chores—cleaning, cooking, or crafting. The food is bad, but we eat it anyway. No one goes outside after 8 p.m.
Then she whispered even lower:
— Avoid the supervisors. If they get angry, you'll end up in the punishment room. It's dark… full of rats.
Lina shivered.
Isabella handed her a gray uniform—a long, plain dress with a white collar and apron. Heavy black shoes and thick socks completed the look.
— Put this on. You'll get used to it.
Lina dressed quietly. When she looked in the mirror, she barely recognized herself. The happy girl she used to be was gone. No warm home. No father. No Edward.
Now, she was just another orphan… trapped in a cursed orphanage.
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