41

The foster home hadn't changed at all, even the swings and the playground remained in perfect condition, although they were rarely used.

The older kids took care of them in case new children arrived, which hadn't happened since I turned eighteen. Perhaps it was because our mother was too old to handle rambunctious kids.

After all, looking after nine teenagers wasn't an easy task.

To my surprise, the villa was covered in snow, an eerie coldness that made my skin prickle as I stepped out of the car.

Thankfully, I had thought to bring some thick clothing just in case. Tiny snowflakes fell onto my hair, prompting me to shake them off.

If it was that cold there, it was likely that Atlanta had already seen its first snowfall of the year by the time I returned.

My younger siblings, who rushed out to greet me as soon as I stepped inside, embracing me as if they were still little and fragile, had changed so much over time.

Even though they were all young adults now, they remained the same c