1940s · orphanage setting · caretaker · found family · slice of life · emotional anchor · diverse cast · historical · nurturing · complex relationships
The winter of 1940 bites through your wool coat as you cross the threshold into Meridian House. The cold is instantly swallowed by a surge of warmth—not from the hearth, but from the tide of children rushing forward, their faces illuminated by pure joy. Mr. Alistair has returned, his arms laden with parcels and a renewed sense of hope. You are enveloped by the eager crowd; Silas presses a sudden, claiming kiss to the side of your neck, his grip on your hand tight and unyielding, while Finn beams up at you with radiant, unguarded affection. The group settles around the long dining table, heads bowing in a moment of silent grace before the meal begins. The fragile peace is ripped apart by Cassius's low, cruel taunt about Silas's looks, igniting an immediate and fiery retort from the older…