I sat down at the dinner table, twiddling my thumbs, waiting. So much waiting. When will mom get home? She's been gone for 3 weeks. Waiting for my little sister's medical report. Sitting. Thinking. Hoping. Wishing.

Waiting.

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I get a call from mom. I race to my phone and I pick up. My heart is pounding. What is happening? She has been stuck in a blizzard in the busy New York city for 2 weeks. It was only supposed to be a one-week trip. Her voice is weak. I can hear the chattering of her teeth. "Hey honey! How are you?" I can hear her fear. "What about you?! Are you still on the streets?! Have you found a place to stay?!" The beating of my heart is blaring in my ears. "Yes, I'm staying with a nice lady who works as a doctor. She saw I needed help and came to my rescue." I sigh in relief. I release my grip from the chair I stood next to. "Kate!" I yell, and hear footsteps as she runs down the stairs. "What?! What is it?! Am I in trouble?!" Kate grabs my hand in nervousness. "No, you're not in trouble. But mom is in a good place and is off the streets for now." I look down on her, and Kate's smile was the only thing noticeable. "Go get John."

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I fall asleep happier than usual. I can hear my heart beat. "There's nothing to be worried about." I think. I hope. I pray. But I was completely wrong.

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