loud, rusty

for a second but then I remembered my

lling me? I went out to a

he pointed to the te

one so the school could get in touch with me in case of emergencies. It was p

one to my ear, wonder

ing too well. You need to come immedia

I was still looking for a job, her afternoon meal was yet to

ed to cover water and light bills. And even if I

ime I'd asked, the local hotel manager had warned me

as just another travail

Haven's class. I saw her teacher tal

Miss Caulkin, how's my

e woman in a suit as stiff and neat

used. "Who are you?

e she wasn't in

t from Haven's teacher that she isn't being taken good care

. "What are you saying? Why would you even do this? My daughter is bei

e to take care of her. Haven is a bright girl, the genius of her class. She deserves an environment that

aven is my daughter and I am doing my best to ensure she's well taken care of!

een paid?" The soci

ing dejectedly at

her breakfast

. "Yes.

he have for

ast bread and a gla

aid you gave her a slice of bread and water." The t

but that doesn't mean

ing me doubt your ability to care for yo

son for existing. Please, I beg of you. P-please, don't take my daughter away. I

self as well, you look thin and very pale. You can't take care of yourself, talk more anot

d, holding the woman's hand. "Don't take my daughte

at me, feeling empathetic. "Do

ut I promise, give me

I can give you to find a steady paying job and I'll be coming to assess Haven's living condition. If you don't have a job by the

ut

ded. "Moreover, you look pretty young. Guess it's a case of teenage pregnancy. I'm not here to judge you but we see lots of girls your age, they end up l

I want my child. I...I can t

t and lifestyle Haven is exposed to. I'll get the address from the

ould I find a good home in just seven days? I couldn't even afford rent in our current apa

rough the old, weak gate. Our home barely had furniture. The building was almo

body every evening, I didn't let Haven go outside whenever she was

" I wiped tears so Ha

linic." S

ating - courtesy of her teacher who'd bought her meal from her

ing will be fine." Little Ha

ine. A watery smile broke through. No, nothing was going to be fin

She was the reason I'd given up everything; the wealth, my e

But how could I keep the government from

regory's raspy voice reminded me

ys, Mrs. Gregory." I wa

shrug, making smoke rings in the air.

et, mommy?" Haven inquired

the old, worn sofa I'd gotten from a really cheap yard

's dinner, ruling out lunch as it was

s already bringing out the bo

bought the g

ought it after she'd pleaded for it, saying she

eed to worry if it was going to be a was

e game, a knock so

" Haven said, placing new

ed my head up...my eyes bulged in both disbelief

tly, how did