The girls moved deeper into the orphanage. Dust flew around them. Cold air made their breath look like smoke.
Sadiya whispered, "It's freezing… and it feels like someone's following us."
Yumna nodded. "I keep hearing little footsteps behind us."
Suddenly, a child's voice echoed softly:
"Minha… Minha… where did you go?"
They froze.
Misbah said, "Did… did you hear that?"
Zanib Gulzar shut her eyes and used her telepathy. "There are so many voices here… kids crying, calling for help… and… and someone is whispering secrets."
Minahil clenched her fists. "No matter what, we'll find the truth."
They opened another door. Inside was a big room filled with rows of tiny beds. Old stuffed animals lay on the floor, their fur torn.
On the far wall was a huge drawing of a sun covered in black clouds. Under it was written:
"The world is not the same for everyone."
Amna Arshad whispered, "I've heard Minha say those words before."
Yumna stepped closer and touched the wall. The drawing suddenly rippled like water. A swirling image appeared inside it — like a movie playing on a screen.
They all leaned closer.