“It’s been a normal day, Mr. Murphy. But we just got a new little girl, and she’s adorable. I’m sure she’ll be adopted soon,” Kara, one of the employees at the orphanage, said to him. Jacob had been volunteering there for many years. He had been adopted as a baby and had gone on to lead a successful life.
Now, he wanted to give back, though he wasn’t ready to be a father—especially with his girlfriend, Miriam. She had been pressing him about marriage, but every time he mentioned children, she turned up her nose. Lost in his thoughts for a few moments, Jacob barely noticed Kara still talking.
“Mr. Murphy, are you listening?” Kara asked, waving her hand in front of his face and snapping him back to the moment.
“Sorry, yes. I was just thinking about something. What were you saying?” he asked, adjusting his tie, a bit embarrassed.
“I was telling you about the new girl. Would you like to meet her?” Kara repeated, but before Jacob could answer, a little girl came running toward them and wrapped herself around his leg. Jacob froze, unsure of how to react, while Kara chuckled beside him.
“Dad! Did you come for me?” the girl asked, looking up at Jacob with a wide smile.