april 1991

As a red car came to a stop in front of Sixth Street Orphanage, the six-year-old sitting in the backseat of the car felt a knot form in her stomach. The foster family she had spent a few says with had been quiet during the drive back, and their silence only added to her growing sense of unease.

Once the car drove away, leaving the little girl alone on the doorstep of the orphanage, she couldn't help but feel abandoned once again. She clutched the envelope the foster family had given her before driving away, already knowing what it entailed: another rejection.

With a heavy heart, she made her way inside the orphanage, her eyes downcast and her shoulder slumped.

"Marge?" As soon as she entered, Clara Watson, the owner of the orphanage, approached her, a worried look on her face. "What happened, cariño?"

The girl simply handed her the envelope, tears threatening to fall as she walked past her and up the stairs, headed to her room. Clara watched her walk away before she opened the envelope and read the letter, frowning at its contents. Without hesitating, she followed Marjorie, catching up to her and enveloping her in a warm embrace.

Marjorie couldn't help but start crying when she felt Mrs. Watson's arms around her, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs as she let out all the pain and disappointment that had been building up inside her.

"It's okay, Marge. You are not defined by this," Mrs. Watson whispered softly, her voice a soothing balm to her wounded soul. "You are loved here, no matter what others may say or do."

In that moment of vulnerability and despair, as she cried in her arms, Marjorie found solace in Mrs. Watson's comforting presence. Her words of reassurance and unconditional support wrapped around her like a protective shield, offering her a sense of belonging that transcended any temporary rejection or hurtful words.

At least she would always have her.

[criminal minds season five until season eight]

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

LOTTA TRUE CRIME © storyofanotherpaola, 2024.