File

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Olivia's POV:

      I pick up the first folder on the desk and I feel the paper in my hands. This is it, the first one. I take a deep breath and begin. As me and Liam go through the files Mia is barely able to keep down her excitement as she looks over my shoulder for every file I pick up. Emily and Leo meanwhile are also excited as they study over every word of each file.

      Over the course of the next hour, we go through various files. All the files cover a wide range of options, with kids arranging from a few months old, to teens 18 years old. With each picture I see in the file, the more pressure I feel. How can I choose just one of them? They all deserve great homes, yet I can only choose one out of all of them. I can tell Liam is also feeling the same pressure that I am. No matter who we choose, a kid is going to be getting a new home, that is all that matters.

      I pick up the next file on the desk and I open it, the picture of the child immediately catches my eyes and fills my heart with sympathy. It says his name is Even Afton, and that he is 8 years old, that would make him one year younger than Mia. The moment I saw his picture I knew that he would be the one, I can tell Liam feels the same way based on his expression.

      The poor boy looks so depressed and scared in the picture. It looks like he was on the verge of crying! The only thing that seems to be comforting him is the stuffed toy he is holding close to his chest. Another thing we notice is the scars that run down his face, they look deep and permanent. He is so cute! I can hardly imagine the pain he must have gone through! I continue to read the file, the more I read the more my heart aches for him.

      Evan was found in the park alone; he was reported to have been crying when someone found him and took him to the police station. Evan shows signs of ptsd and depression, and he is very shy and cautious around people. But when he does talk to people, he is extremely nice, but he doesn't open up about his past. Before he was found no records of him were ever recorded. It is suspected that he has experienced severe forms of physical or mental abuse, but none of this has been confirmed. Evan is very fond of a plushie from the very popular video game series Five Nights at Freddy's, he barely ever parts with it, and has even been caught trying to take it to school in his backpack by various foster parents. Evan also takes an above average amount of naps during the day that go on for a concerning amount of time. It is advised that any guardian keeps an eye on his sleep pattern.

      The thought of anyone harming him makes me sick. When he comes home with us, I will make sure that he gets the love and attention he deserves!

      "Mommy, is he going to be our new brother?!" Mia jumps up and down excitedly behind us, she must be able to see the expression on our faces. I look at Liam who nods, I feel my heart beating a mile a minute!

      "Yes sweetie, he definitely looks like he could use a good home."

      "This is great! Now we can have another young sibling to hang out with, right Em!" Emily gives Leo a nod of approval as they both smile at each other. I can tell they are overjoyed by this; Leo and Emily are great older siblings so there is no doubt in my mind they will get along great with Even!

      "Great! Now that you made up your mind, all you need to do is sign the papers. Within the week I can arrange for you to meet him and take him home!" I feel excitement course through me as I go through the planning and preparation that I will be doing before Evan arrives. I already have a room picked out for him, and I already took the liberty of ordering a bed the same night after I found out I was approved. Tomorrow I'll go to the store and pick out a bunch of decorations, the whole family can help! This is going to be so much fun!

      "Thank you so much! You have no idea how happy you just made us! We have waited for this for so long!" Liam says as picks up the pen after me to sign his name.

      "No problem, it warms my heart to give these children a good home. By the way we will be sending over an inspector to make sure that the place is ready for Evan. We will give you a phone call in advance."

      "Thanks! We will be ready when they arrive!" I say as I grab my purse and stand up. We then leave the agency, all of us feeling a newfound excitement. As we drive back home, I hear the kids in the back talking about all the things they can do with their new brother! Leo and Emily take the role of older siblings very seriously, I know that this is an opportunity that they will not squander.

      It also said in the file that he has a Five Nights at Freddy's Plushie. I have heard of the series but never really played it myself. Emily once tried to play it, she isn't a fan of horror games, so I am surprised she even attempted it. She stopped after playing the first night, saying that she gets screamed at enough in her part time job at the supermarket. Leo has expressed interest in playing it up; he hasn't gotten the chance due to his part time job at the rec center, and due to being more interested in outside activities. Mia is heavily a sports player, but when she does play video games, I tend to limit horror games. But she has played Fnaf one through three and has heavily enjoyed them.

      If Evan likes Five Nights at Freddys, I 'll keep that in mind while deciding on how to decorate his room.


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Author's Notes:

The Davis family has signed the papers and soon will meet Evan. What will Evan think when he meets them, we will soon find out.

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