Life in the foster care system felt like a recurring nightmare. Behind closed doors, the staff called the children "little monsters" and referred to the building as a "branch of hell." They weren't far from the truth. The simple realization that you have to grow up surrounded by strangers doesn't inspire much optimism. Sometimes, you just want to dissolve into the air, to stop breathing, to stop hearing the biting remarks. Indifference was everywhere, reinforced by endless reproaches and snapping comments: "Potter! You forgot to set the tables in the cafeteria again! Get to the kitchen, now! Lily! Potter! I'm ...

The woman hurriedly shoved the chicken into the oven, let out a sigh of relief, and ran to change. A dress hung neatly on a chair in the bedroom. She had ironed it the night before. She caught her reflection in the mirror. Her hair was a mess, and her bangs were damp with sweat; she'd been rushing with the preparations, and the kitchen was stifling. A towel was draped over her shoulder, and she was wearing an old-fashioned apron that looked brand new—she almost never wore it. She only put it on when guests were coming, thinking it made ...

"Jeremy, do you believe in miracles?" Sarah asked, glancing sideways at the young man. He paused for a moment, thinking, then shook his shaggy head. "No, Sarah. Miracles don't happen. This is a fine time to be asking." The girl shrugged. "Well, I believe in them. Want me to believe for you, too?" she smiled at him, her dimples flashing. Jeremy didn't have time to answer. Attracted by the loud whispering, Mrs. Higgins, the vice-principal, was hurrying toward them. "Mr. Miller, Miss Bennett! That final exam isn't going to write itself! If you're finished, hand in your papers and leave ...

Arthur quietly closed the doctor's office door. He unfolded the prescription slip and grimaced. "Look at all this. Where am I supposed to find the money for these brand-name meds?" He shoved the papers into his pocket and trudged toward the bus stop. He had come into the city late yesterday. His lower back had been killing him for a week, keeping him up at night and leaving him doubled over in pain. He'd finally decided to see a specialist. He wasn't one for doctors, but when the pain gets that bad, you don't have much choice. He had crashed ...

Grace didn't remember how she got home. At the hospital, the doctor had told her that her mother, Alice, was beyond hope. "The only chance is a surgery in Switzerland that costs an astronomical amount of money," he said. "It's unlikely you'll raise that kind of capital in a month... I've prescribed some injections for your mother that might at least stabilize her for a short time." Those words sounded like a death sentence. Returning to the apartment, Grace saw her mother sleeping peacefully. Tears filled the girl's eyes. Looking at her mother's pale face, Grace vowed to fight for ...