Chapter 5: Saint Jude’s Haven
Saint Jude’s Haven was a quiet, brick orphanage perched on the cliffs overlooking the sea. Sister Margaret, an elderly woman with soft blue eyes and a face lined with grace, met me at the heavy wooden doors.
""You look just like her,"" Sister Margaret said softly, guiding me down a quiet hallway lined with children's artwork. ""Sarah brought baby Evelyn here four years ago. She made me swear never to release her to anyone without the locket.""
She opened the door to a bright playroom. Sitting by the window was a four-year-old girl with dark curls and brilliant sapphire eyes—Sarah's eyes. She was holding a small wooden car, humming a lullaby Sarah used to sing to Lily.
My throat choked up. I dropped to one knee, holding out the silver locket.
May you like
Evelyn stopped playing and looked at the silver metal glinting in the light. She walked over slowly, her tiny steps cautious yet curious. ""Mommy's necklace?"" she asked in a tiny voice.
""Yes, baby,"" I choked out, tears finally breaking past my restraint. ""I'm your daddy. I came to take you home.""
