Early in the morning, Mrs. Poppins rang the old doorbell of the foster agency, and Aniya Cooper answered the door with a look of suspicion. Mrs. Poppins stood five feet and eight inches tall, and her wild strawberry blond hair fell past her shoulders. Her blue eyes shone determined and confident, and thin face appeared a bit worn, a lasting sign of her dark times of depression.
Mrs. Poppins said with a clear, dignified voice, “Hello, ma’am. My name is Olivia Poppins, and my husband here is Quinn Poppins. We wish to foster a child from your agency. I have brought all the proper paperwork and legal documents. Shall we discuss further matters inside?”
With that, Mrs. Poppins invited herself in, and Mr. Poppins followed her and nodded his head toward Cooper. He reached six feet tall and walked in large, precise strides with his polished, leather shoes. His sandy blond hair swept back neatly, and his tailored suit gave him an aura of exceptional importance.
Cooper was in awe of the unusual two.
“Well, yes. Come into my office. We must decide the child that would best suit your situation.”
Mr. Poppins cleared his throat, “I don’t believe we do. We already know exactly which child would best suit us. I believe her name is Florina.”
Cooper’s face froze, and she struggled to find the words to explain the situation.
“Well, that will not be possible to arrange. I’m afraid Florina has some issues.”
Mrs. Poppins’ eyebrow rose, “Whatever the issues we can deal with them appropriately.”
Cooper replied hastily, “I would think not! She ran away, and now, she is a flight risk. To top it all off, the girl caught a fever and is delusional. She thinks she saw her deceased parents. She is currently very sick, and there is no possible way for any couple to adopt that child.”
Mr. Poppins said, “I suggest that your agency should be prepared for such incidences of a sick child. My wife and I are very educated, and we have close connections with doctors. We can care for any illness the girl may have. Of course, your position might be in question if you deny us the girl.”
Cooper laughed, “I am the star director of this agency. This agency has thrived under my supervision and authority. You, sir, have no leverage.”
Mr. Poppins motioned to the desk.
“What would happen if the police searched your office? I wonder what they would fine. Maybe a little wine and a few illegal drugs. Director, you should really be more conspicuous.”
Cooper’s eyes widen in disbelief, and she whispered, “How?”
Mrs. Poppins spoke, “No matter how! Where is Florina? In the hospital? Take us to her now, Director.”
Cooper rose quickly and stammered, “ Well, yes. Of course. Come this way. She is in her room upstairs.”
Cooper lead Mr. and Mrs. Poppins up the creaky stairs and down the dim hall. A few children with curious eyes peered behind the white doors, and when Aniya Cooper opened the door with a twist of a rusty key, Mrs. Poppins hurried to Florina’s side and gazed into her face lovingly. The poor girl’s face blushed a bright pink, and a wet rag rested on her forehead. Florina was covered with a thick, worn quilt, and she breathed in shallow puffs of air as if she withheld sobs.
Mr. Poppins stood by the door and watched Mrs. Poppins call out to Florina, “Oh, darling. Wake up, Florina. I understand why you ran away, but such actions never solve anyone’s problems. We are going to care for you now. Please, Florina, open your eyes. Don’t feel sad. I know how it is to lose someone who you love very deeply.”
Florina fluttered her eyes and shook her head.
“How would you know? Did you lose your parents?”
“Is that what happened to you, darling? I am so sorry.”
“You don’t understand.”
“I lost my daughter, and I never said hello to her or held her in my arms. It was devastating, and I cried every night for her. I understand your loss, and I never wish to replace my daughter. Darling, I only wish to care for another little girl that needs love and attention. I wish to care for you, Florina.”
Tears streamed from Florina’s eyes, and she sobbed, “I don’t want to forget my parents.”
“You never will,” Mr. Poppins stated bluntly. “They will always be with you in memory.”
“Please, don’t ever leave me,” Florina sobbed.
“We would never do such a thing, darling,” Mrs. Poppins cried and held the sniffling child to her chest. Mr. Poppins sat on the edge of the bed and smiled softly. The child was finally theirs, and his wife was, at last, a proud mother. Mr. Poppins chuckled at the sight of his wife and child crying joyfully.
“Like glass gems,” Mr. Poppins thought.
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