n

“She handed it to him, and he studied it. "Whenever I would move into a new foster home, I'd put it up on a shelf near the window," she said. "I think some part of me thought it would help guide my family back to me." The memory of this caused her to pause for a moment. "Then one time, a boy in one of the houses was made at me, so he threw it against the wall and shattered it." She wiped a tear out of her eye. "My foster parents threw it away, but I went out to the trash and found it. I taped it back together and hid it in my shoebox." Mother was touched. "I can't take this from you." "I want you to have it," she said. "Put it by the window, so it can guide your children back to you." "No." he said near tears. "This is for your family." Brooklyn turned and looked out the window back toward the FARM. The rest of the team was playing soccer in the yard. They were kicking the ball back and forth, laughing. Monty was watching, sharing encouragement. Everyone was happy. "I don't need it anymore," she said turning back to him. " I found my family.”
― James Ponti, City Spies