Journey to Happiness

the arrival of a distinguished couple-a count and countess-seeking a child to raise as their own. The sist

just the flower in Zazriel's hair. "They asked to meet you first.

n dress. Her mind whirled with thoughts of what life outside the orphanage migh

. They had a warmth that softened their formal manner. Their eyes, tired but

small fingers in hers. "What a lovely child," she sa

rming under their approving eyes. She thought fo

red a storm of jealousy within her. As she watched the couple fawn over Zazriel, Elza's mind raced. She cou

am's office with tears in her eyes. Her voice

ng to town alone. She talks back to us children, and... and she stole a book from Sister Anne's room last

of her tears left them with doubts. And, just as Elza had hoped, whispers of her story rea

er heart sank as she heard phrases like "untrustworthy" and "troublem

ps this isn't the right time. I do wish you well." Zazriel felt the weight of the rejection settle in her chest as the couple turned and

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dreamed of: fine dresses, silk ribbons, and a grand room all to herself. She walked through manicur

on her arm, carrying loaves of bread or herbs for the sisters. Zazriel would glance over, trying to

s life in that crumbling orphanage?" Her tone dripped with mockery as she twirled in her fine gown.

alked back to the orphanage, she tried to shake off the humiliation, holding onto Sister Miriam's words abou

ve, teaching the younger children, and making her life rich with purpose and compassion. And as she grew, her hea

ar Zazriel," she said, wrapping a shawl around the girl's shoulders, "remember this: life isn't

adness fall away, allowing ho