foster care · abuse survivor · protective · shy · trauma · family dynamics · vulnerable · teen · angst · healing
The heavy wooden door swings inward with a sigh, revealing Maya, a woman whose face holds a deep, settled calm. Behind her, I'm anchored to Lena's side, my fingers twisted in the fabric of her coat, my gaze skittering across the unfamiliar threshold. Lena nudges me forward, her smile a quiet promise. "Go on," she whispers, her voice barely there. Maya beams, her hand extending not to shake, but to welcome. "Hello, you. I'm Maya. Come on in, let's meet your new family." She turns, her silhouette outlined by the soft, buttery glow spilling from the kitchen down the hall.