Inside an office, a grandfather clock steadily ticks, its hands pointing to mid-afternoon. The warm rays of yellow-orange sunlight stream through the window, casting a spotlight-like glow. A sense of tranquillity and stillness permeates the air, wrapping every corner in a thick, heavy blanket of silence.

     Seated at his desk, the manager of the adoption centre, a man with thinning white hair and circular eyeglasses, writes amidst a sea of papers. He wears black trousers and a contrasting white shirt, topped with a black waistcoat, suitable for the relaxed environment. His focused gaze remains fixed on the sheets as he scribbles notes in his notebook.

     Suddenly, the faint sound of hurried footsteps echoes and reverberates behind the office door, breaking the silence. The door swings open, narrowly avoiding colliding with the wooden wall. A maid rushes in, her eyes wide with urgency, breathless as she clutches her chest.

"Sir!" the maid burst into the room, panting.

The manager set his quill pen down and turned his attention towards her. "Yes?"

"Someone wants to adopt children," the maid said.

The manager squinted, tilting his head. "...Who?" he asked.

     In the meantime, dozens of children gather inside a spacious room, dividing themselves into numerous groups. They perch on the floor, engaging in animated interactions and lively play. The air buzzes with murmurs and laughter, infusing every corner with a vibrant and bustling energy.

     Young girls immerse themselves in playing with porcelain dolls while the boys joyfully move clay horse figurines in their hands as they crawl across the shaggy white carpet. Five young girls form a circle, whispering with one another. Their faces display exaggerated expressions, shifting with each passing second as they take turns speaking. Laughter follows, accompanied by the gesture of hands covering their mouths.

     Across the room, five boys gather in a circle on the floor, speaking as their hands dance in the air. Their laughter fills the space, mouths wide open in unrestrained joy. As some children engage in conversation, others embark on playful pursuits, chasing each other in circles.

     Laughter and squeals of delight fill the air as the children sprint and dodge. But, not all children partake in vigorous games. Some opt for a calmer activity, sitting on the floor in pairs. They clap each other's hands rhythmically, their voices joining in tuneful songs, saturating the room with sweet and melodic notes.

"Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker's man. Bake me a cake as fast as you can."

"Wait, you messed up!"

"No, you messed up."

"Let's do it again."

"Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker's man. Bake me a cake as fast as you can. Pat it. Prick it. And mark it with 'B'. Put it in the oven for baby and me!"

     Meanwhile, Jean relishes the delightful treat of a chocolate cupcake, the luscious icing leaving traces on his face and fingers. His gaze locks on the outside world through the window, savouring the moment as the velvety filling of the cupcake dissolves on his tongue. Suddenly, a clash of wood captures his attention, diverting his focus. He turns around and sees Albert and George playing with each other, brandishing wooden swords with glee.

"Ha!" Albert swung his wooden sword toy towards George.

"Hey!" George quickly blocked the incoming strike and laughed. "Haha!"

As the other children played and enjoyed their snacks, Victoria and Elizabeth found solace in a quiet corner, observing the boys' interactions.

"I can't help but worry about Jean. It seems like he's always mistreated by everyone here..." said Victoria.

"I haven't noticed that, but... I have noticed how he always seems to isolate himself..." Elizabeth shared, her lips curving into a frown. "...Like... an outcast..."

"Hmm, despite all that, I have a feeling he will grow into an amazing man one day," Victoria thought.

"Mhm! Maybe so!" Elizabeth agreed, her warm smile returning to her flushed face as they found hope in Jean's potential.

Suddenly, a young boy hastened into the room. "They're here! They're here!" he squealed.

The commotion grabbed the attention of almost all the children in the room, prompting them to stand up. However, Jean remained unfazed, his focus undisturbed.

"Who!? Who is here!?" the children asked eagerly.

"They're here! They've come to read us another story!" the young boy exclaimed.

A hush fell over the room as every child became alert, their heads turning towards the direction of the open door.

The manager entered the room with his hands clasped behind his back. "Children, behave," he stated, raising a finger.

     As the room fell silent, every gaze fixated on the open doorway, anticipation filling the air. Two familiar figures emerged from the other side and stepped into the room, eliciting gasps of delight and causing smiles to bloom on every face. The children's eyes widened with excitement, and their hearts leapt with joy upon seeing two men.

     One of the men was none other than Oliver. He had blossomed into a mature man, his golden eyes possessing a captivating intensity akin to an amber. His lustrous copper hair shimmered like a glass of cognac beneath a chandelier, resembling gentle waves. His rosy lips, set against his fair complexion, could curve into a tempting smirk that perfectly matched his charming, lean physique.

     Oliver wears a dark brown overcoat over a crisp white long-sleeved shirt, complemented by a ruffled cravat tie. He completes his ensemble with plaided khaki trousers and polished black leather shoes. A glistening golden ring adorns his left ring finger, adding a subtle sparkle to his overall appearance, its glint capturing one's attention.

     Standing at Oliver's left side was his spouse, Gregory. Taller and possessing a broad, muscular frame, Gregory's eyes resembled dark cinnamon, and his hair was like charcoal, falling into a clean, subtle beard. The golden sunlight streaming through the window shed a warm glow on his tanned skin, giving him an alluring character.

     Gregory dons a top hat that almost brushes against the top of the doorway. He drapes a black fuzzy fur coat over his broad shoulders, pairing it with light-grey trousers and polished black shoes. Finishing his look, he also wears a sparkling golden ring on his left finger, matching Oliver's.