The sound of small feet thundering across floorboards filled the air, and suddenly Nora was surrounded by a small horde of excited children, all talking at once and reaching for her with grasping hands.
“Miss Nora!”
“You came back!”
“Did you bring us anything?”
“I missed you!”
“I like your dress!”
Nora laughed, her heart swelling with affection as she pushed back her hood and crouched down to peer closely at their precious faces.
“Yes, yes, I am here! And of course I brought you something. Did you truly think I would come empty-handed?”
She reached into her basket and pulled out a carefully wrapped bundle, which she opened seconds later to reveal several children's books. The children gasped in collective awe, crowding closer to see.
“Books!” a little girl named Sarah breathed, her eyes wide.
“Real books!” added Thomas, a boy of about eight with a shock of red hair.
“May we read them, Miss Nora?” Rhonda asked shyly.
She was one of the older children, perhaps ten or eleven, with mousy brown hair and thoughtful grey eyes, ever so polite and mindful.
“Of course you may,” Nora assured her. “They are for all of you to share. Mrs. Brighton, perhaps you could help them choose which story to start with?”
“It would be my pleasure,” Mrs. Brighton said warmly, ushering the children away to examine their new treasures.
The sounds of excitement quieted down to thoughtful humming as they tried to decide which book to read, and Nora felt thankful her gift was well received, glad that she had thought to ask Jane.
A twinge of guilt flashed through her as she recalled she had not been entirely honest about her reasons for wanting the books, but seeing the faces of the children made her feel as though it was worth it.
Once the children were occupied, Nora turned back to Mrs. Brighton and pulled out a much heavier bundle from within her basket.
“I have brought provisions as well,” she said quietly. “Bread, cheese, some preserved meats, and dried fruit. And here –” she pressed a small purse into the older woman's hands, “– this should help with whatever other expenses you might have. It is not much, it never is. But I do hope it is able to make things easier for you all, somewhat. At least for a little while.”
Mrs. Brighton's eyes filled with tears as she clutched the purse to her chest.
“Miss Nora, you are too kind. Too generous. I do not know how we can ever repay you.”
“There is no need for repayment,” Nora assured her gently. “I only wish I could do more. Has the city still not provided any assistance?”
Mrs. Brighton shook her head sadly. “We have been forgotten, I am afraid. The orphanage is too small, too far from the more fashionable parts of the city. No one remembers that we exist until they need somewhere to abandon an unwanted child. Yourdonations have been keeping us alive, Miss Nora. You and your generous heart.”
“I am glad I can help, though I wish I could do even more,” Nora said, though her heart ached at the injustice of it all. “If there is anything else you need, any concerns or difficulties, please let me know. I will do whatever I can.”
Mrs. Brighton squeezed her hand gratefully. “You have done more than enough for us. That you have found room in your heart to consider us and our needs is more than we could ask. Thank you, dear.”
Just then, she was called away by one of the younger children and excused herself softly, slipping away with a lighter expression than the one she’d had when she had welcomed Nora in.
Nora glanced around the home, noticing a dented metal pail placed in a corner of the room, into which water dripped from the ceiling.
“Another leak in the roof,” she muttered, her heart quaking in dismay as she wondered if her financial aid would be enough to get it fixed and if they would have anything left afterwards.
She had been doing this for quite some time, bringing the occupants of this orphanage money and provisions whenever she could. There had not been a particular grand reason as to why she had taken on this quest. Only that she had wanted tohelp, to do something more for someone while she waited for whatever her fate had in store for her.
Doing this – supporting these people felt like the only way she could be of some use to anyone else.
