The first meeting was awkward, to say the least.
Charlotte sat with her arms crossed and irradiated suspicion. Meanwhile, Bobby hunched in his chair with his eyes fixed on the floor.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Abigail and Roger tried their best to make conversation, but their efforts were met with monosyllabic responses and uncomfortable silences.
As they were leaving, Abigail noticed Bobby’s untied shoelace. Without thinking, she knelt to tie it. The boy flinched at first, then relaxed, allowing her to finish the task.
“Thank you,” he mumbled, the first words he’d spoken all day.
Abigail smiled. “You’re welcome, sweetheart.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
It was a small moment, but it was more than enough for the scared and grieving teenagers. Over the next few weeks, during supervised visits, things began to change.
Abigail discovered that Bobby loved to draw, and she brought him a sketchbook. Roger bonded with Charlotte over their shared love of classic rock music.
Slowly, the teenagers began to open up. Charlotte revealed her fears about being separated from her brother after her parents’ death. Bobby shared his struggles with nightmares since losing his parents.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Abigail and Roger listened and advised as best they could.
One day, when their visit was ending, Charlotte surprised everyone by asking, “Can we stay with you? Instead of going back to the group home?”
Elisa, who had been observing, looked shocked. “Charlotte, are you sure? There are other families interested in fostering you and Bobby. I mean… some younger couples might be a better fit.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Charlotte shook her head stubbornly. “We don’t want a ‘younger couple.’ We want Abigail and Roger.”
Bobby nodded in agreement.
“This is unexpected,” Elisa said and turned to the older couple. “Are you prepared for the challenges of fostering two teenagers?”
Abigail smiled widely. “We are ready.”
“We’ll do whatever it takes for these kids,” Roger added.
Elisa studied them for a long moment, then nodded. “Alright. Let’s start the paperwork.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
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