I don't know how to make the little girl stop crying. She hovered against the wall of the North Shore Children's Center, her bunny print blanket wrapped around her, big tears splashing down her chubby cheeks. She'd been here three days and cried nearly all the time. I didn't know her story, or even her name, but it about drove me crazy that I couldn't figure out a way to make her feel better. I knew she was probably just scared, and who could blame her? Being her made me want to cry, too. But you can get away with stuff at four that you can't at twelve.
I bounced a curled knuckle against my bottom lip and wondered if there were any games on my phone she might like to play with. Or I could show her my snow globe. What little kid wouldn't think a snow globe is cool? It was at least worth a shot. But befor I could duck back inside my mom to grab it, the sharp tap-tap-tap of Mrs.Austins high heels and made me stop. She rounded the corner, of her red dress stretched tight against her wide hips. She caught sight of me watching from the end of the hall and wiggled her fingers. "Oh there you are poppy. I was just coming to find you."
