Chapter 172

Caelin

Entering CRISIS is almost like going home. It holds a special place in my heart. I spent a lot of time here as a kid, not knowing I was learning the harder side of life. I can remember playing with kids, and trying to figure out why they were crying, or sad.

As a child, I never had to worry about any of the things they had to. Back then I didn't realize how lucky I was, but now I do. We always had a roof over our head, food in our stomachs, and money in the bank to do what we not only needed, but wanted to do. Even now if I needed help, I could run to either one of my parents and they would give me the last five bucks they had.

Standing in the entryway, I look for Mom. Her SUV was outside, and I haven't seen her in a while. It still unnerves me that she's here at all hours.

"Momma!" I yell, trying to get her attention, wherever she is.

Just as I'm about to try again, she comes out of the communal kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. "Caelin!" Her face lights up in a way that a