Tori’s life falls apart when her heartless parents desert her and her two younger brothers, forcing them to survive on their own. As she starts to put her life back together, her absent parents appear at her doorstep, grinning as if no time has passed. What brings them back after so long, and what are their intentions towards Tori?

Stunned, I watched my parents hastily pack their belongings in our living room. “We’re calling child services; they’ll find you a new home,” my father declared sternly.

My younger brothers clung to me, their expressions a mix of bewilderment and terror.

“Tori, what’s going on?” Lucas asked, his eyes wide with fright.

Only six years old, my heart shattered for him.

“I’m not sure, Lucas,” I reassured him, holding him close. “But we’ll be okay. I promise.”

At 15, I was overwhelmed and confused.

Ben, only five, started to cry. “I don’t want to leave, Tori. I want to stay with you.”

My heart bled for my brothers.

I wished to shield them, to keep us united, yet I felt utterly helpless.

The sound of the doorbell caused my heart to drop further.

It was Child Services, just as Dad had warned.

A compassionate woman entered the living room. She introduced herself, but her name escaped me, my thoughts racing.

“I’m here to assist,” she said softly. “I know this is difficult, but we need to move you to a safe place.”

Lucas tightened his hold on me, and I clung back. “Please, let us stay,” I pleaded. “We’ll behave.”

The woman sighed, her eyes filled with sadness. “I’m sorry, Tori. This isn’t in my control.”

Tears flowed down my cheeks as we were escorted out.

Lucas and Ben also wept, gripping my hands until they were forced apart. It felt as though my heart was being torn out.

We were separated into different cars, each headed to distinct foster homes.

I watched my brothers through the window, their tear-stained faces fading from view.

The journey to my foster home blurred into a haze of tears and confusion.

I dwelled on my father’s harsh words, puzzled by how things had reached this point.

How could they discard us so casually?

The next phase of my life began at the Thompsons’ foster home, which was no improvement.

From the start, I felt alienated.

Mr. and Mrs. Thompson barely acknowledged me, treating me more like an inconvenience than a child in need.

Their cold stares and curt words made it evident I wasn’t welcome.

“Ensure you complete your chores, Tori,” Mrs. Thompson would command, her tone devoid of warmth.

“Yes, ma’am,” I responded, keeping my gaze lowered.

The loneliness was crushing.

I missed Lucas and Ben intensely, always wondering if they were safe or missed me too.

The days merged, each filled with chores and silence.

There was no kindness, no solace, just the stark apathy of a family that didn’t care.

Eventually, I couldn’t bear it any longer. Thus, I decided to escape.

Perhaps I could find my brothers, or at least a less lonely place. My first escape attempt was brief. The police returned me.

The Thompsons were enraged.

“Why do you persist in escaping?” Mr. Thompson scolded. “Do you realize the trouble you’re causing?”

“I’m sorry,” I muttered, though I wasn’t. I simply wanted to leave.

Each attempt to flee ended the same: I was brought back, reprimanded, and neglected even more. Yet, I continued trying.

One rainy evening, I resolved to leave. I packed a small bag with my few possessions and slipped out the window.

Opting for the uncertainty of the streets over the Thompsons’ indifference was the toughest choice I’ve made.

Life on the streets was brutal and merciless. I found temporary shelter in an old, decrepit trailer. It had a broken door and a leaking roof, but it provided some protection from the elements.

Every subsequent day was a struggle.

I took on odd jobs, anything that paid a few dollars to sustain me. I cleaned cars, carried groceries, and assisted at a local diner. The earnings were meager, but I managed to survive.

The most challenging aspect was the uncertainty regarding my brothers’ whereabouts.

I missed Lucas and Ben immensely. I visited them when possible, but they were frequently moved, making it increasingly hard.

One day, when I tried to visit Ben, I faced a devastating setback.

An unfamiliar woman answered the door when I knocked.

“Can I see Ben?” I asked.

She shook her head. “No, they moved last week. I think they went to another state.”

My heart sank. “Do you know where they are?” I inquired desperately.

She looked at me with pity. “I’m sorry, I don’t.”

I felt as if I had let Ben down. I sat on the steps of the house and wept.

I had promised Ben we would stay together, and now it seemed that promise was broken.

As days turned into weeks, I held onto the hope of reuniting with my brothers. Lucas was still in town, and I visited him whenever possible.

But the fear of losing him too constantly haunted me.

Months later, I secured a job as a cleaner at a small shop on the town’s outskirts. The job involved scrubbing floors and cleaning shelves, but it was stable.

I saved every penny I earned, living frugally and spending only on necessities.

One day, while sweeping, the shop owner, Mr. Jenkins, noted my diligence. “Tori, you’re industrious,” he observed. “Have you considered returning to school?”

I nodded. “Yes, sir. I’d like to attend college, but finances are tight.”

Mr. Jenkins smiled warmly. “Keep saving, and you’ll make it. I have faith in you.”

His encouragement inspired hope. I continued working hard, and eventually, I saved enough to enroll in community college. However, juggling work and studies was demanding. My days started early with cleaning duties, and my evenings were consumed with classes and homework.

There were moments of overwhelm, but I persevered. I remembered the promise I had made to myself and my brothers. I was determined to achieve something. I couldn’t let them down.

Years later, I graduated with a business administration degree. With my new qualifications, I applied for a position as a store assistant at a large clothing retailer.

Starting from the bottom was tough, but I was accustomed to hard work. I arrived early, stayed late, and always gave my all.

Eventually, my manager, Ms. Carter, recognized my efforts.

“Tori, you’re performing excellently,” she said one day while we restocked shelves. “I’m promoting you to supervisor.”

“Thank you, Ms. Carter!” I exclaimed, both excited and thankful. “I promise to do my best.”

As a supervisor, I encountered new challenges and responsibilities. I worked diligently, learning from mistakes and seeking advice. My efforts paid off, and after several years, I was promoted to store manager.

However, fate seemed determined to challenge me once more. Just as I was settling into my new apartment, I heard a knock at the door.

Opening it, I found my parents, Charles and Linda, standing there with suitcases, their smiles as if no time had passed.

“Hello, darling!” my mother greeted cheerfully.

I stood frozen in disbelief. They dared to appear now, after all these years?

“May we come in?” my father inquired, still smiling.

Stunned, I stepped aside, allowing them entry. They seated themselves in the kitchen, an awkward silence enveloping us. I brewed coffee, bombarded by a myriad of questions.

As they sipped their drinks, my mother broke the silence. “We were hoping you could let us stay here for a while, just until we get back on our feet.”

I stared at her, taken aback. “You want to live with me?”

“Yes,” they both replied simultaneously.

“Why? How did you even find me?” I asked, struggling to maintain composure.

“Oh, sweetie, how does that matter? We are family, and family should support each other, right?”

I could no longer suppress my anger.

“Oh really?” I retorted. “You haven’t inquired about my brothers since you arrived. You just show up here, expecting my help after you left us? Where were your family values when we were struggling on the streets?”

They appeared shocked, but I didn’t allow them a chance to respond. I ascended the stairs and retrieved an old ten-dollar bill my father had given me years earlier. Returning to the kitchen, I handed it to them.

“I hope this assists you as much as it aided me back then. Now, leave my house and never return.”

Their smiles vanished as the reality of my words settled in. Without another word, they collected their belongings and departed.

As the door shut behind them, I experienced a peculiar sense of closure. They were gone, and I was finally liberated.

My past no longer restrained me. I was prepared for whatever lay ahead.

What would you have done?