Mother's Day in the Orphanage

Who celebrates Mother’s Day when they don’t have a mother?

The children of Bellhaven Orphanage for Displaced Children.

They don’t have a choice. Bellhaven promises hope and a fresh start. Once a year, the orphans are polished in perfection until they no longer resemble children. They are scrubbed clean and adorned in pressed clothes, to be seen and never heard. Stillness is the reflection they are pushed to desire, smiling until pale cheeks ache. The orphans wait for someone, anyone, to decide if they are worthy of being chosen.

But the children know better.

They understand that when the doors close and the celebrations begin, not everyone will survive come morning. And Mother’s Day this year will end with blood on the floor, and foam instead of names on lips.

Because once the festival begins, no one leaves untouched.