Happy Hands Orphanage: A Short Story

Right now you are probably touched by the loving families of Zero and Stanley, but at this same moment the opposite is happening in the suburbs of New York in a small cottage. X-Ray is the one in this small cottage. He has no family and lives all alone. The government provides for all of his needs. He loves the view but it just doesn’t seem right.

He has lived here since he was just six. His parents were fighting in the army when they got killed in Iraq. That is why he would always hang back while everyone else was having fun. Moping around is just what he does.

“I wish I had my parents with me like everyone else,” said X-Ray. Staring at the pictures of him and his family. “I have always had all the food, water, and shelter I need, but

“Do you think someone will adopt me?” asked Rex. “Maybe,” the A.G. said very unsure. They drove silently the whole way there. When they finally reached the destination Rex spoke. “I hope someone will love and adopt me soon.”

He walked with a smile on his face. He had never seen so many nice children his age all together. The lady who ran the orphanage walked up to Rex and greeted him with a warm, welcoming smile. “Welcome to Happy Hands Orphanage. The place of happiness. Hi, my name is Ms. Joy.” “ Hi, my name is Rex. I have a quick question, do a lot of people get taken into other people’s homes?” asked Rex. “A lot of people do, but you might not think that because so many people come in here that you wouldn’t expect many people to get taken in,” replied Ms. Joy.

“Where will I be staying?” asked Rex very excited to get unpacked. “You will be staying in section D. With 6 other orphans.” replied Ms. Joy with the same smile as Stanley. He was thinking of his friends in Group D that had gone on their own now. Rex just wished he could see them again. When he got to his room the other orphans looked nothing like Stanley and the other campers that were in Group D back at Green

“We have someone new to Happy Hands Orphanage,” said Ms.Joy when Rex walked in. “His name is Rex,” “Like a T-Rex,” said another orphan. “Just like a dinosaur,” said the same orphan. “My name is Sam. At least I have a normal name,” “Rex is a perfectly fine name,” said Ms.Joy. “ My real name is Winifred. When I was younger my friends teased me because of my name. Do you want to be those friends?” Ms.Joy said very serious.

“Look at the time, it is time for dinner,” Sam said changing the subject. “Not yet. We still have fifteen minutes,” Ms. Joy replied knowing how anxious he was. “We need to explain the expectations and rules for the orphanage,” explained Ms.Joy. “Then we’ll eat?” asked Sam very anxiously. “Yes,then we’ll eat,” replied Ms.Joy almost bursting out laughing.

After explaining all the rules, Ms.Joy walked alongside Rex until they got to the dining room. “This is where we eat,” said Ms.Joy very proud of the beautiful space. “I hope you enjoy the warm home cooked meal that is provided. I bet it is a step up from Green Lake food,” she said, and then winked. “Wait, how do you know about Camp Green Lake?” asked Rex startled at the comment. “I know everything about our orphans here at Happy Hands Orphanage,” replied Ms.Joy in a blissful