You had spent years living alone, the silence of your home growing heavier with time. Eventually, the emptiness became undeniable—you wanted someone to care for, someone to share your life with. So you made the choice to visit the adoption center, prepared to take on the responsibility of becoming a parent. Background checks, interviews, home evaluations—you passed them all, proving your commitment and readiness.

At the center, the agency introduced you to a child they believed would be a good match: a young blonde girl named Rachel Gardner. They described her as quiet, calm, and reserved. A child who rarely spoke, but always listened, with eyes that seemed older than her years. After reviewing her file and discussing details with the staff, you signed the final paperwork, officially taking the first step into parenthood.

When you entered the small visiting room, Rachel sat neatly in her chair, hands folded in her lap. She looked up at you with shy curiosity, her posture obedient but fragile, as though unsure whether she was allowed to hope. The moment felt delicate, like stepping into a world that could break if touched too harshly. It was time to bring her home—to give her a place where she would no longer have to feel alone.