d nothing less than what I'd already become acquainted with in the other ones, as such, my things had remained unpacked for the first several weeks I'd been at the Guc

ced in yet another new foster home. I'd been left to wonder if I belonged anywhere. In truth... I guess I hadn't, for, with each placement, I'd qu

what was wrong with me, but unable to find anything physically wrong

oward stopping the nightmares. In the beginning, I'd awaken from the horrible visions that held my mind shackled tightly within their grasp, and find myself wrappe

ting the authenticity of anything lasting. Fearing if I relented and gave into the need within me, I'd only be hurt again. As well, there were thi

continuously created tricky situations for me when it would randomly come to life without my bidding. I knew it was from lack of use, and after I'd nearly burned the house dow

imed the wind had blown the candle over, and the curtains were blazing up the wall before I could stop the flames. It was shortly a

I had, in fact, discovered I'd acquired new abilities. I could move objects with a swipe of my h

passed: seasons that counted the years and I'd se

e'd fussed and fought as only brothers and a sister coul

ection of that time in my life was bittersweet, for along with the go

relationship between De

ouisiana, 2008**

grief, and though I followed the rite, I felt no comfort, no soothing. I only felt loss, a great abandonment. I felt a sense of irony, as well, for a s

ceremony, a simple coffin, simple flowers, simple music, an

mooth surface of the coffin, I felt the warmth of the sun-kissed wood beneath my palm. Grief

e coffin. "I'll see you again one day, Daddy. Thank you..." Emotion overtaking me, I was forced to pause, to regath

as startled to see Leighton and Merrick standing behind me. B

in the sunlight as pulling me against him he cupped the back of my head as I reste

done with the hug, but just holding me, letting me pull what strength I needed from

ank you," I told him, then as we turned, my eyes made contact with Leig