Tori’s life falls apart when her heartless parents desert her and her two younger brothers, forcing them to survive on their own. As she starts to put her life back together, her absent parents appear at her doorstep, grinning as if no time has passed. What brings them back after so long, and what are their intentions towards Tori?
Stunned, I watched my parents hastily pack their belongings in our living room. “We’re calling child services; they’ll find you a new home,” my father declared sternly. My younger brothers clung to me, their expressions a mix of bewilderment and terror.
“Tori, what’s going on?” Lucas asked, his eyes wide with fright. Only six years old, my heart shattered for him. “I’m not sure, Lucas,” I reassured him, holding him close.
“But we’ll be okay. I promise.”
At 15, I was overwhelmed and confused. Ben, only five, started to cry.
“I don’t want to leave, Tori. I want to stay with you.”
My heart bled for my brothers. I wished to shield them, to keep us united, yet I felt utterly helpless.
The sound of the doorbell caused my heart to drop further. It was Child Services, just as Dad had warned. A compassionate woman entered the living room.
She introduced herself, but her name escaped me, my thoughts racing. “I’m here to assist,” she said softly. “I know this is difficult, but we need to move you to a safe place.”
Lucas tightened his hold on me, and I clung back.
“Please, let us stay,” I pleaded. “We’ll behave.”
The woman sighed, her eyes filled with sadness. “I’m sorry, Tori.
This isn’t in my control.”
Tears flowed down my cheeks as we were escorted out. Lucas and Ben also wept, gripping my hands until they were forced apart. It felt as though my heart was being torn out.
We were separated into different cars, each headed to distinct foster homes. I watched my brothers through the window, their tear-stained faces fading from view. The journey to my foster home blurred into a haze of tears and confusion.
I dwelled on my father’s harsh words, puzzled by how things had reached this point. How could they discard us so casually? The next phase of my life began at the Thompsons’ foster home, which was no improvement.
From the start, I felt alienated. Mr. and Mrs.
Thompson barely acknowledged me, treating me more like an inconvenience than a child in need. Their cold stares and curt words made it evident I wasn’t welcome. “Ensure you complete your chores, Tori,” Mrs.
Thompson would command, her tone devoid of warmth. “Yes, ma’am,” I responded, keeping my gaze lowered. The loneliness was crushing.
I missed Lucas and Ben intensely, always wondering if they were safe or missed me too. The days merged, each filled with chores and silence. There was no kindness, no solace, just the stark apathy of a family that didn’t care.
Eventually, I couldn’t bear it any longer. Thus, I decided to escape. Perhaps I could find my brothers, or at least a less lonely place.
My first escape attempt was brief. The police returned me. The Thompsons were enraged.
The story doesn’t end here — it continues on the next page.
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