Page 29 of Wed to the Devil

We arriveat the children's shelter, the loud sound of laughter and cries of joy ringing around me. Most of the older kids were in school today, but a few younger ones remain, accompanied by volunteers.

As I step into the shelter, I’m met with warm smiles and hugs from the familiar faces - people I have grown to know over time. We exchange pleasantries, catching up on recent events before saying hello to the children who run up to greet me and shower me with hugs.

Gathering us all together in the giant playroom, I guide Ansel— a seven-year-old boy whom I've befriended— towards a table filled with colorful blocks. He looked excited yet apprehensive as he eyed the construction toys.

Dare kneels down beside Ansel and watches the boy with an apprehensive gaze. I smile at Dare, giving him what I think is a soothing look. I’m honestly just impressed that he allowed me to talk him into coming to Hope House.

“Have you ever played with blocks?” Ansel asks me. He stacks three blocks and then looks at me skeptically. “My friend Jake says that you probably haven’t done lots of normal stuff because you are a fancy rich lady.”

My cheeks color. It’s everything I can do not to stare at Dare. I have this feeling that if I glance his way, I’ll crack up. Instead, I focus on speaking softly to Ansel, giving him my full attention.

"What do you think you could build with this?" I ask Ansel. I pick up a block and place my hand lightly on his shoulder, giving him a smile of reassurance.

He hesitates before answering, "I don't know. Maybe a castle?"

I smile wider. "That's a wonderful idea!"

Ansel begins to assemble the blocks slowly. Soon other children join us at the table, eager to be part of the activity. They crowd around Ansel and I, offering their help and advice for Ansel's project as it starts to take shape.

Ansel's eyes widen in surprise as he sees the group of children approach. "Thank you so much for your help!" He exclaims.

The children listen attentively as Ansel describes his plans and offers constructive suggestions.

"Look how high it is!" Ansel crows.

"It's incredible," one of the other children says.

“Very good,” Dare manages

Ansel smiles, looking around himself.

A volunteer sweeps into the playroom and announces, "We have a new arrival. Everyone, meet Solana."

She nudges a small girl forward. Solana has long black hair and dusky brown skin, coupled with beautiful doe-brown eyes. She’s wearing an oversized and wrinkled blue smock over a long-sleeved white tee-shirt. She clings to the volunteer's pant leg, looking around with wide eyes.

“Solana, it’s okay,” I coax the girl. “You can come play with us.”

“I have blocks!” Ansel crows, waving a red block at Solana.

The volunteer pushes Solana forward a step. She looks like a newborn deer walking for the first time and stares at us as if we are a foreign species.

I lean forward and extend a block to the girl. “Have you ever played with these? Do you want to show us what you can build?”

Solana’s gaze darts to Dare, taking in his size and stature. As I watch, she runs to straight to Dare, throwing her arms around his waist and resting her head against his belly. His eyes go wide. His posture stiffens. He glances at me, confusion evident in his gaze.

My mouth curls up at the corners. “She likes you, I guess. Right, Solana?”

Solana nods her head, hiding her face.

"I can't believe that anyone is so trusting," Dare replies, rubbing her lightly on the back.

"I've never seen a kid act like this," I comment.

The volunteer gently says, "Solana has had a tough week at home. She needs extra care and attention."

"Of course," I'm quick to respond. "We're happy to take over. Right, Solana?"

The girl only seems to burrow further into the black silk of Dare's shirt.

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