The Town Hall

After the meal, the children were taken to the stage as they awaited finding new homes. Todd went with Marty. She wouldn't let go of his hand. Many of the town's people came to meet the children. All were looking for a child to adopt or foster.

"I'm looking for a sturdy boy to help me on my farm," said one man.

Miss March gently pushed a sturdy young boy forward to meet the man. She was trying to get some of the children to start moving. They all seemed so frightened.

Marty was cowering behind Todd. She felt so uneasy. She didn't want to go with just anyone. She wanted someone kind and caring to adopt her. She didn't want someone mean or nasty.

A tall man in a long white coat approached Marty. He had a stethoscope around his neck. His dark hair was graying, but he had kind hands. He gave Marty a tender smile. "Hello," he said as he looked at Marty who was partially hidden behind Todd. "I think you'd be perfect as my daughter."

The minute she heard his voice, Marty was intrigued. He spoke as a father or how she imagined a kindly grandfather might speak. Right away, she knew he was 'the one.' She was instantly trusting and unafraid of this gentle man.

"My name is Marty," she said in a soft little voice. "Do you want to adopt me?"

The man nodded. "I sure would," he stated. "My wife Meredith and I would like a little girl to adopt. We already have a son. His name is Danny."

"We lost Danny's twin sister at birth," he went on to explain. "It's been really hard on my wife, because we haven't been able to have another child. She's been very sad."

Marty looked into his kind eyes. She knew all about being sad. She missed her mommy and daddy so much. Everyday her heart ached without them, so she knew how the man's wife must feel after losing her baby girl. "I'm sorry that you lost your little girl," Marty said as she moved out from behind Todd and approached the man. Very softly, she touched his hand. She saw tears shining in the depths of his pale blue eyes.

"My name is Dr. Larry Woleck," said the man. "And I would like to adopt you, Marty. Would you like to be my little girl?"

Marty nodded her head slowly. "Yes," she said softly. She wanted a nice father and mother, and this man sounded like he would take care of her. She'd never be hungry again, and she'd have a warm bed to sleep in.

Marty knew she was making the right decision, but immediately she thought of Todd. She turned to look at him. She stared longingly into his hazel eyes. "But what about Todd?" Marty asked. "What will happen to him?"

Todd gave Marty's hand a gentle squeeze. "Don't worry about me, Marty," Todd spoke. "I'm going to live with my Uncle Peter, remember? I'll be alright."

Marty didn't look completely convinced as Todd pulled her close and gave her a warm hug. "You'll take good care of her, won't you?" Todd asked Dr. Larry. He let go of Marty's hand and released her into the doctor's care.

"I promise I will," said Dr. Larry.

"I will see you soon," Todd whispered into her ear.

As Marty walked off the stage with Dr. Larry, she remembered all of Todd's promises. She took one last look at him, remembering their talk beneath the stars. She had told him all her secrets and he had told her all of his. They had a very special bond. Nothing could ever sever it. Their bond was forever. She'd see him again. She was certain of it.