Because I like being here. That's it. Is there supposed to be more? Ethan picked at his bedspread. Most people leave eventually.
Fosters, parents, social workers, teachers, they all say they care, but then they move on. I'm not going anywhere, Ethan. You don't know that. You're right. I don't know what the future holds.
But I know I'm not planning to leave. Plans change sometimes, but not this one. Ethan finally looked at her. Promise? Elena held out her pinky.
Promise. He hooked his pinky with hers. Okay, he said quietly. I believe you. Good.
Now, about that ribbon. I don't want to talk about it, Ethan. Second place is I know what it is. It's not first. It's better than third.
That's what dad said because it's true. Ethan flopped back on his bed. I just wanted to win something for once. You win things all the time. Like what?
Like being a good brother? Being kind. Being brave enough to keep trying even when things are hard. Those aren't real wins. They're the realest ones there are.
Ethan was quiet. Then you're weird. Thank you. That wasn't a compliment. I'm choosing to take it as one.
He almost smiled. That evening, they all piled into the SUV for Mara's art show. The high school gallery was packed with parents, students, and teachers. Mara's work hung in the back corner, a series of charcoal drawings that made Elena's breath catch. They were portraits of Caroline.
Different ages, different expressions, all from memory. I didn't know she was working on these, Mason said quietly. She's been drawing in her room for months, Ethan said. She wouldn't let anyone see. They approached slowly.
Mara stood beside her work, arms crossed, defensive. "Hey," Mason said. "Hey, these are beautiful. " Mara shrugged. "They're okay. " "They're more than okay. " Mason's voice was thick. "They're her, exactly her.
Some of them are blurry. I couldn't remember the details. The ones you remember are perfect. " Mara's eyes were wet. You think she'd like them? I think she'd love them.
A teacher approached. You must be Mara's father. These pieces are extraordinary. She has real talent. Mason nodded, not taking his eyes off the drawings.
She gets it from her mother. The teacher smiled and moved on. Mara looked at Elena. What do you think? Elena studied the drawings, the careful lines, the obvious love in every stroke.
I think you're keeping her alive, she said quietly. In the best possible way. Mara's face crumpled. Mason pulled her into a hug. "I'm so proud of you," he whispered.
Sophie tugged on Elena's hand. "Why is everyone crying? " "Because sometimes beautiful things make us cry. " "That's weird. " "Yeah, it kind of is. " They stayed until the gallery closed, looking at every piece of student work, but kept coming back to Mara's corner. On the drive home, Mara fell asleep against the window. "She's going to be okay," Elena said quietly. Mason glanced at her.