"Would we really get to see our mummy and daddy if we do that?" one of the smaller children asked, her voice trembling with a mixture of hope and fear. Her tiny fingers clutched the hem of her oversized shirt, knuckles white with tension.
"Yes," I replied with a warm smile, crouching down to her level.
"Really?" another child asked, his eyes wide and uncertain, as if he was afraid to believe me. He had heard too many promises broken, too many lies wrapped in kindness.
I thought for a moment, searching for a way to make them trust me. Then another idea came to me, bright and simple.
"How about this?" I said, my voice light with excitement.
The children looked at me expectantly, their small faces tilted upward.
"When everyone's finished with their check-ups, we'll play a game."
"A game?" they echoed, curiosity flickering in their eyes.
I nodded, a grin spreading across my face. "A game where we find everyone's mummy and daddy."
