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“Okay,” I breathe, trying to digest every crumb of information as my eyes roam around the large lobby.
I get acquainted with the security guards; two at reception, another two around the building. I’ll meet the night shift staff in time, I’m sure.
Every door on the way in is coded. Hard to get in, easy to get out. It’s safe enough without feeling like you’re in a prison.
The large windows allow the natural daylight to illuminate every corner, and no matter where I look, I’m surrounded by trees.
I’ve already lost count of how many lefts and rights Nora takes when I ask, “Where are we going?”
We’re interrupted by a woman walking toward us. She’s strikingly beautiful—copper skin, enhanced by a yellow sundress, and her curls hang to her shoulders.
“You must be Claire,” she smiles. “I’m Amelia. I’m a caseworker here.”
“It’s lovely to meet you.” Her smile reminds me of Mandy, and my heart instantly slows.
She steps aside and gestures to the garden. “They’re expecting you.”
We take the last turn through open doors, and the sounds of laughter fills my ears. Benches line the garden, children play on the swing sets, music blasts from a group of teenagers to my right, and women chat in huddles.
I can’t fill my lungs fast enough.
Smiles.
There are so many smiles.
I don’t know why I expected a place so different from this.
I expected dark.
Hopeless.
It’s called The Hope Foundation for a reason, Claire.
Chastising myself, I drink in the scene, my nerves soon replaced with excitement.
“Wow,” I breathe, unsure if Nora hears me, but I’m sure she can see the tears swirling in my eyes. It makes sense now why she asked me to pop by on a Friday evening before officially starting on Monday—everyone is here.
“Nora,” a lady calls, standing from her seat. A sea of grinning faces turns toward us, and I’m engulfed in greetings…and hugs.
I’m searching for words among the crowd as they guide me further into the garden, insisting I sit with them.
“It’s so great to finally meet you, Claire. Nora told us so much about you. I’m Mia.” Her blonde hair flows in waves, her green eyes sparkling in the sun. “This is Emma, this is Sofia, this is Isa, this is—” She stops when my mouth falls open, a blush spreading across her face. “Maybe we should give you a chance to settle in.”
Squeezing Mia’s hand, I drink in everyone around me. “I’m sure I will get to know you all pretty fast.”
I smile as a little girl reaches over me for a chocolate biscuit.
“Hi,” she chimes, with no second thoughts when she wraps a finger around my hair. “You have hair like Rapunzel.”
My chest swells with emotion because I know that behind all these smiles, there are the darkest stories. “Thank you.”
She potters away to her friends.
Another woman pours coffee into a cup for me. “Sugar?” she asks.
I usually don’t unless I’m stressed so I think today calls for some.
“Two please.”
