Today was adoption day. The day when people would come to the orphanage and adopt a special few orphans to either work for them, or to be their adopted children. The day that only came once a month. The day that Secela had survived many of.

                Every month, adults and couples would come and go, hardly even glancing at Secela. And every month Secela hoped it would be different. But the difference never came. Secela sighed as she watched future parents talk to their future children, while she went about her normal day, trying her best not to envy the other smiling children going to their new homes with their new parents. Secela walked down a hallway, intending to sweep the dining hall when suddenly, she bumped into Ina, whose arm was being held by a tall woman with dark hair and hawk-like pale eyes. She stifled a gasp.

                “Oh!” Secela said awkwardly. “H-hello Ina,” she stuttered. “Who’s your friend?”

                “I am Alorra-Kirair Hacena, daughter of Glorra-Casia Minara and Kirsho Hacena,” the woman said in a commanding, aloof voice.

                Right then, Secela thought. That’s a lot of names to choose from.

                “Are you considering adopting my friend?” Secela asked stiffly. Ina’s face looked surprised. Secela guessed she was surprised that Secela was still calling herself her friend.        

                “Yes, actually, I am,” the woman, Alorra said. “But not to be my adopted daughter, no, no. Not to be my daughter. She has proven to be a very good and loyal, hardworking girl, and she will be one.”

                “So you’re adopting her as a worker?” Secela inquired.

                “Precisely” Alorra answered.

                “And will you treat her well? Give her a bed and food?”

                “I promise nothing. I’m not the one in charge of all my servants. My chief housekeeper does that for me.”

                “You’d better treat her well!” Secela said, staring defiantly at Alorra. Alorra rolled her eyes.

                “Yes, yes, I understand,” she said, and started to drag Ina away.

                “Wait!” Secela cried. The woman stopped, and Secela ran to Ina, throwing her arms around her neck.

                “Goodbye” She whispered. “I’m sorry about what I said. I promise that one day I’ll get out of here and escape to find you.” Secela let go, and she watched as Alorra led Ina down the hall, Ina with fear in her eyes.