Marie is sitting in her room after Ms. Lillith picked her up earlier. After what happened today she is more than happy to pack up and get out of Gravestown. Hopefully, for good. It would be great if she never had to set foot in this town again. No longer wanting to sit around and be frustrated and angry she decides to finish any last-minute packing. She throws the last pile of items into her school bag when Ms. Lillith walks into her room.

“Are you okay Marie?” she asks referring to what happened earlier.

“Yes, I am fine. I just..” she sighs “I just hoped this week would pass by without something like this happening, but I guess I am not that fortunate.” Marie says feeling dejected.

“Aww, sweetheart I wish you could have had a smooth last week here. But on the bright side at least you have a new start to look forward to.” Ms. Lillith says while gently rubbing Marie’s arms in a comforting motion. Marie’s life hasn’t been easy but she tried to stay optimistic through it all. This would be no different.

“Yeah, you are right,” Marie says, she rounds her shoulders to try and cheer up. She looks at Ms. Lillith with a more determined look in her eyes. With a positive mindset, Marie is now curious about where she will be living. “Ms. Lillith, what is Clover Green Girls Orphanage like?”

“Oh! it is a terrific orphanage. The facility and staff are top notch.” Ms. Lillith answers taking Marie’s hand in hers. Her usual energetic demeanor is on full display as she talks. “The head caretaker Mrs. Leane Walters is a wonderful lady. And she is a dear friend of mine and with a kind soul. You will be in good hands there, trust me.” Ms. Lillith adds gently squeezing Marie’s hand.

“That is good to know. Honestly, I am scared about the change but I am feeling hopeful.” Marie says, opening up more about the move. “I keep having what-if thoughts but I know I shouldn’t focus on that.”

“I understand how you feel. It is normal to feel that way. Change is scary, but you have to embrace it. It is how we grow in life.” Ms. Lillith says. “Sometimes all it takes is a few shake-ups in our daily lives to push us forward.” She lets go of Marie’s hand, walks to the door, and stops to turn to look at Marie. “I am sure you will do great and thrive in whatever environment you end up in.”

~

Later that night, after dinner, one of the younger girls brings Marie to the rec room. She told Marie she wanted to play dolls with her one last time before Marie had to move away. They walk into the room and it is full of people who right on cue yells surprise. The sight stunned Marie and she stood frozen at the entrance of the Rec Room. Hung up on the ceiling is a homemade banner that says ‘We Wish You Well Marie’. It has hand prints and flowers all around the words. All of the girls and the staff are standing under the banner, smiling at Marie. Ms. Lillith is in the middle of the group holding a cake in her hand. The scene looks straight out of a Hallmark movie.

Marie is overcome with emotion as she stares at the group of people she has spent so much time with over the years. She has a bond with each person in that group and loves them dearly. She made fond memories while living here. She might not miss Gravestown but she will definitely miss the people at this orphanage. After standing there in shock for a few seconds she walks up to the group. They envelop her in a tight group hug. Everyone bombards her with encouraging words and well wishes.

“Thank you all so much. This was so kind of you all do for me.” Marie says addressing the group of people she considers family. She takes in their familiar faces and warm smiles.

“We are all going to miss you so much, Marie. We wanted to throw you a going away party.” Someone in the group blows a party horn in agreement. “We wanted to celebrate you one last time since we are going to miss you and we won’t be there for your sixteenth birthday.” Ms. Lillith says and everyone nods their head. Before Marie could get emotional at the last thing Ms. Lillith said Sandra ran up and hugged her.

“Let’s eat cake!” One of the girls yells out. Everyone laughs breaking the tension the weight Ms. Lillith’s words hold. They all move over to the table to cut the cake. On top of the cake, it says ‘Happy Birthday and Farewell Marie’. Everyone gets a slice and enjoys the cake, Ms. Lillith walks up to Marie.

Ms. Lillith hands Marie a large envelope. It reads ‘To Marie Form Everyone’ on the front. “This is something we put together for you.”

Marie opens the envelope and pulls out a large handwritten card. The outside of the card says ‘We hope you don’t forget about us at Little Peaks Orphanage’. On the inside, there are dozens of little notes and drawings from everyone. Marie is so touched by this as well as the party. She hugs Ms. Lillith, savoring it for as long as she can. She pulls back and walks over to a chair to sit. She puts her slice of cake to the side and opens the card again. She takes her time to read each note written for her. She can tell who wrote them in their handwriting even without it being signed. The little drawings done by the girls who can’t write yet touched her heart. She will miss them all and they will have a permanent place in her heart.

The rest of the evening everyone enjoys the party. When it is time for bed everyone shuffles off to their rooms or home. The next morning Marie is standing outside the orphanage with all of her belongings including the card from last night. The car coming to pick her up and take her to Clover Green City has just arrived. The driver Sean McKinnley chats with Ms. Lillith briefly. She hands him Marie’s paperwork the head caretaker for Clover Green Girls Orphanage will need. Marie takes one last melancholy look at the place she called home. It has been a mix of good and bad memories. With one final hug to Ms. Lillith, Marie hops in the car and is on her way.