I woke up in my bed. I didn’t know how or when I got back here. The last thing I remembered was being outside in a whole other neighborhood. It was dark outside and the clock showed that it was after midnight. How long had I been here? I was swaddled in my blankets and it took me a minute to get myself free. When I did, I saw that I still had on my clothes from the day. I got up, slowly opened my door, and walked out. 

The hallway was quiet and every door was closed but one. I saw that Hayley’s door was open at the end of the hall. I slowly made my way towards there and looked inside. It was quiet but I could tell she was awake. When I stood there for a moment, she saw me and motioned for me to come in. I took my time approaching the bed. She was sitting up like someone who fell asleep while standing. I stood there for a moment and waited for her to speak.

“Cameron found you outside. You were a long way from here.” She finally said.

I didn’t say anything. I wanted to know why she even cared whether I made it back or not. Why did any of them care? They could’ve left me out there and I would’ve been happy. 

“Kassey, talk to me. What happened today? Why did you lash out like that? Jason was so upset when you left.”

“I told him I didn’t need help.” I said quietly.

“But, you didn’t need to treat him so badly. He cares about you. Everyone cares about you, even Cameron. Now, please tell me what you were looking for.” Hayley restated. 

“Something that was important to me. It isn’t where I left it.” 

“What is it?” 

I wrecked my brain trying to figure out something to say. I don’t really know why I wouldn’t allow myself to tell people about the box and the note. It just seems too personal to talk about. Even with my new supposed family.

“Kassey, we are here to help you. We want you to be comfortable here.” Hayley reached out towards me and I drew back.

“Why didn’t you just leave me out there?” I suddenly asked.

Even in the dark, I saw hurt cross her face. “I would never do that.”

“Everyone always wants to. I don’t belong here. Why did you even want to take me in? You have plenty of kids here. Why was I needed?” I pressed.

“Because you were in need of a good family. You’ve been hurt too many times, Kassey. I can see that in your face. I can see it in the way you walk, in the way you look at others, and in the way you talk. You are afraid to commit. You are afraid to get close to people because you have been burned. I can’t say I know how it feels, but I do know how to prevent it from happening again. You won’t have to worry about that here.” Hayley grabbed my hand before I could move away. It wasn’t a firm grab. It was the type of motherly touch. The touch Alice would always give me when I was hurt or upset. It was the type of touch I vaguely remembered my mother giving me. It was meant to comfort.

“You don’t need to keep running away. You do belong here. You may not see that now, but you will soon. I want to be the home for you. I want you to feel safe and loved in a way you need and never had. I want to be your mother.”

“I already have a mother.” I snached my hands away. 

“I didn’t mean it like that, Kassey. I meant that I want to be someone you can feel close to and someone who you can look up to.” Hayley kissed my cheek and smiled tiredly at me.

I turned and headed towards the door. I meant to leave but I stopped. Hayley muttered in her sleep. I couldn’t tell exactly what she said, but it sounded like she said, “I love you.”