Building Bridges

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Morning light filtered through the curtains, spilling soft beams onto Maxine's face. She stirred awake, cocooned in warmth that felt almost foreign. For a moment, she allowed herself to linger in the comfort, the events of the previous day swirling in her mind like a half-remembered dream. But the warmth faded as reality set in, and her heart sank. She was still the outsider in this world.

Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, her feet sank into the plush carpet. Taking a deep breath, she caught the faint scent of coffee wafting through the air. It beckoned her toward the kitchen, but her stomach knotted with unease. The thought of joining them felt overwhelming, like stepping into a bright spotlight that would expose her insecurities.

As she stepped into the hallway, the sounds of chatter and laughter greeted her like an approaching storm. The sight of Billie, Alex, and their boys—Joey and Jakob—cooking breakfast together was both warm and alien. They moved with an ease that felt unattainable to her. She hesitated, feeling like a ghost in their lively home.

"Morning, Max!" Alex called out, her smile radiant as she caught sight of her. "We're making breakfast! Want to help?"

Maxine paused, the invitation stirring a flicker of hope but overshadowed by self-doubt. "Um, I guess," she replied, forcing a smile as she approached the kitchen. The scene felt normal and comforting, yet it only emphasized her feeling of being out of place.

"Alright, you can help me with the fruit!" Alex said, handing her a small paring knife and a cutting board. Maxine took it, her hands trembling slightly. As she started slicing strawberries, the weight of expectation bore down on her, and she felt Alex's gaze on her, radiating warmth and interest.


"What do you like to watch, Max?" Alex asked, her curiosity genuine.

Maxine's mind raced, and she struggled to find her footing. "Oh, um, I love old movies," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "Like The Breakfast Club, all the Star Wars movies, Heathers, Raising Arizona, Lean on Me, Ghostbusters, Beverly Hills Cop, The Goonies, E.T., Blade Runner..."

Alex nodded, impressed. "Wow, that's quite a list. You really know your stuff."

Maxine felt a surge of pride but was quickly reminded of her isolation. "And I love horror movies, too." she added, trying to sound enthusiastic. "They're my favorite genre. I just love the thrill."

"Really?" Billie piped up, flipping a pancake with a flourish. "I love horror movies! What are some of your favorites?"


Maxine's pulse quickened, and she glanced at the smiling faces surrounding her, feeling the distance between them. "Um, The Shining, The Exorcist, and Nightmare on Elm Street are definitely at the top of my list." She felt exposed, revealing her passions to this family that felt so far removed from her. "I like how they build suspense."

"Good choices!" Billie replied, his expression animated. But even amid their cheerful conversation, Maxine felt the anxiety bubbling beneath the surface.  Their laughter echoed warmly, while she felt like a silent observer, haunted by shadows of her past.


As everyone moved into the living room after breakfest, Max relucantly went with them, feeling the edges of her comfort zone fray. The cozy room was filled with colorful furniture and instruments, a stark contrast to the cold silence of her adoptive home. While Billie and Alex seemed at ease, she felt out of place amidst the laughter and creativity.


Soon, Maxine walked slowly from the living room, the weight of the evening still pressing on her chest. Her head buzzed with too many thoughts, too many emotions she didn't quite know how to process. She needed some space, some quiet, to think it all through. As she moved up the stairs and down the hall, her fingers brushed the doorframe of her room. It was a sanctuary, a place where she could just be herself without the world watching.

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