The Orphans’ Cabin

Every year, Sophie returned to Saint Germain Orphanage during her annual leave. Having grown up there herself, she helped the caregivers not only with the children, but also with the accounts. Being at the orphanage meant being with family, because it was the only family she had ever known.

After she was transferred to another country, her annual visits became less frequent. She still kept in touch, though. She called whenever she could. After saving up her leave, she decided to spend it at the orphanage. But she didn’t want to arrive empty-handed, and she wanted to surprise them. So, casually, she brought up the subject during her conversations with the children. “What would you like to see at home that you don’t have now? What would make you happy?”

The answers varied. A playroom, a large park, more toys, a watch, comic books… Anaïs said she wanted to play teacher. Her comment made everyone laugh. Taking these ideas into consideration, Sophie began to think. She took out her sketchbook and started drawing something. It was clumsy, imperfect, but it would set the tone for what came next.

She contacted a contractor in the city where the orphanage was located. Based on her drawings, a beautiful project came to life. Since it was going to be a quick construction project, she suggested that the caregivers take the children on a hike that she had paid for.

On the plane, she could barely contain her smile. She imagined the children’s faces when they saw her, but above all, when they saw what she had in store for them. Once there, the caregiver who was in on the surprise supervised the work. By the time she arrived, construction was well underway. She insisted that the children be allowed to paint however they wanted. She ordered the furniture, pretty, soft, colorful beanbags, shelves to create little reading corners, a stool, and a small wooden table… She also ordered toys, along with large cans of paint in cheerful colors. Everything came from a large local store.

The cabin was taking shape. When they returned, the tired children complained. They were exhausted and their feet hurt. When one of the caregivers asked them to follow him into the garden, the complaints grew even louder.

Sophie smiled from her hiding place. When they caught sight of the cabin, cries of joy rang out and excitement filled the air. They could hardly believe their eyes. But when Sophie stepped out of the wooden house shouting, “Surprise!” several of the children burst into tears. Not all of them, but several. They rushed toward her. In a group hug, she told them how much she had missed them and how happy she was to see them again.

When they had calmed down, she invited them to paint the cabin. It was their way of leaving their mark. Once the paint had dried, they arranged the furniture inside and outside. And so, the cabin came to life. The little living room, the workshop just below it, the small office, the climbing course and the slide, not to mention all the toys…

Anaïs took over the little office. She forcibly recruited her students, who, incidentally, were not allowed to speak. Sophie and the caregivers watched them play and invent a thousand different lives. The spectacle was unique, a long way from Broadway, but they wouldn’t have traded it for anything in the world.

They had been given one more home. A place of hope where they could play, learn, and strengthen their bonds.

And you what is your room story?