Before I returned to the Smiths, I had imagined countless times what a home would be like.

I had seen children rolling around beside their parents when all the lights of the city were on, and I had seen children tightly embraced by their parents during the darkest storms.

I longed for a home.

I yearned for someone who, like those parents, would protect me with all their might.

Someone who would stand up for me when I was bullied.

Someone who would, like a superhero, say, "Don't be afraid, I'm here."

So when I finally returned to the Smiths, including before my graduation ceremony, I still held out hope...