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Emily sat on the steps of the orphanage, and stared at the cars passing by. Resting on her lap was a book. She often liked to escape into the mysterious worlds and adventures they all held, avoiding her own dreadful life.

She could feel the penetrating glare of Mrs. Yarriz behind her, and pretended to be enveloped in the story. Emily knew she could not fool Mrs. Yarriz, the grumpy old woman could see through anything. She sighed and closed the book, stood up, and turned around to face the caretaker.

“Ms. Varson,” the woman said tersely, “You do know that you were supposed to be indoors,” she paused to glance at her old gray watch, “an hour ago?” She narrowed her piercing gray eyes in annoyance.

“Inside now!” she snapped, and turned to walk purposefully inside.

Emily groaned silently and trudged up the brown stone stairs, clutching her book to her chest. She stepped inside and closed the large oak doors behind her, and gazed around the dimly lit lobby. Mrs. Yarriz had evidently disappeared into a different room.

“BOO!” Out from behind the stairs, a boy leaped out. His brown bangs hung into his playfully twinkling blue eyes. He then pointed a skinny finger tauntingly at her.

“You got in trouble!” he screeched . He seemed to be the only kid that could do whatever he pleased, and not get in trouble.

“Cut it out Jake!” she snapped, fuming. She stormed past him, and up the stairs, her fists clenched. Sure, he was her friend, but he was soooooo annoying!

“Touchy, touchy.” he said, trying not to laugh. He loved getting a rise out of her. He then slunk back into the shadows, searching for another victim.

Emily entered her room, and flopped down onto her bed, carefully placing the book on her nigthstand.

She rolled onto her back, and held up a ring in the sunlight. It was attached to a silver chain, which she wore around her neck. It was one of the only things she had left of her parents.

The ring had a bright green jewel, and a wide silver band, with many small designs all around it. Light shone off of the many small surfaces on the gem, and seemed to dance on the walls. She cradled it in her hand, and then let it fall back onto her chest.

Emily swung her legs off of her bed, and crouched down on the floor, she lifted the blanket that hung from her bed, and peered underneath. She smiled, and pulled out a small shoe box. She pulled off the battered cover, and smiled sweetly at the small honey colored mouse, quivering inside. It perked up immediately, and began sniffing the air with its tiny nose. She picked it up and crooned softly. It snuffled her hand, “Marmalade! That tickles!” she laughed, and pulled out a chunk of carrot from her pocket, gingerly holding it in front of her.

The little creature stuffed it into its mouth, making its cheeks bulge. She laughed loudly, and immediately clapped her free hand over her mouth. “Sorry, little one.” she whispered, and placed Marmalade back into the box. She sighed and replaced the lid, and shoved it underneath her bed. She was not supposed to have him, so could only have him out a few times a day.

Pouting in anger, Emily changed into her pajamas and snuggled underneath her sheets, falling into a troubled sleep.