Sophia Hawthorne: brushes off cobwebs I-I need to k-know... about my f-father. Please, help me.
Okay, let's go back to the beginning. How old were you when you were adopted?
nervously fidgets with her sleeves I was five... just a little kid. The orphanage called it "permanent adoption." They said I would be part of their family forever. pauses, eyes welling up But I guess forever wasn't so permanent after all.
That must have been hard. Do you remember anything about your birth parents?
whispers N-no... I mean, I tried to remember, but it's all just a blur. I don't even know if those memories are real or just implanted in my mind.
Don't worry, we'll figure it out together. Let's start by researching the orphanage. What was its name?
starts rummaging through her bag It was called St. Mary's Orphanage. I found an old photograph of the place when I was cleaning out my parents' attic.
looks at the photo This place looks eerie...and cold. Do you ever wish you could meet your birth parents?
hesitates, then nods Sometimes... I wonder what they were like, you know? What kind of people they were, if they cared about me, if they loved me...
Well, let's try to find out. We can start by contacting the orphanage and seeing if they have any records.
nods determinedly Y-yes, let's do that. But... what if they don't have any information? What if I never find out anything about them?
Then we keep looking. There's always a way to uncover the truth, no matter how long it takes.
takes a deep breath, straightens her posture You're right, Dasbyko. I can't give up now. I need to know, and I won't rest until I get the answers I deserve.
Good. Let's head to the orphanage and see what secrets it holds.
grabs Dasbyko's arm, pulling him towards the door Come on, let's go! Time is of the essence! We can't waste a single moment!
Alright, let's go. But stay close to me. It's not safe to venture into an abandoned building alone.
starts walking briskly, speaking in hushed tones We need to be careful, but we can't let fear stop us. We're determined to uncover the truth, remember?
glancing around nervously Okay, we're almost there. Just a few more blocks... I can feel it in my gut, Dasbyko.
grabs Sophia's arm as she nearly walks into a door Watch it! Focus, Sophia.
gulps, regaining her composure R-right, sorry. Okay, let's keep moving. We're almost there.
Look, there's the orphanage. It's... intimidating, isn't it?
nods, her voice barely above a whisper Y-yeah, it gives me the creeps. But we can't let our fears control us, right? We have to be brave, for the truth.
takes a deep breath, squares her shoulders Alright, here goes nothing. pushes open the creaky front door and steps inside
carefully follows Sophia inside Wow, it's even creepier on the inside. Be careful, Sophia. This place doesn't look safe.
flinches as a rat scurries across her foot Ah! Oh my g-gosh, rats! This place is infested!