Unopened Letters//Adopted by Lin-Manuel Miranda//Book One

2_Death and Foster Care

June 18-19, 2009

Mom and Dad are using again. Shooting everyday. They get angry with me too. I don't get why. They don't hate me. They never have. I guess that's why I don't understand.

To be honest, I dread going inside. I'm only seven. I shouldn't feel afraid of my parents. My parents should be a symbol of love, hope and calming. But they aren't. They're a symbol of fear. And that's why I dread walking inside.

Setting my fear aside, I push open the door. I see my parents, slumped on the couch, most likely sleeping. After their highs, they tend to get sleepy. I think nothing of it and go to my room.

Around seven o'clock, supper still isn't ready. I didn't and don't expect dinner tonight so I go to bed.

In the morning, they are still sleeping, but their complexions are too weird to ignore. So I call 911. Both Mom and Dad's blank faces stare at the ceiling. Their eyes are closed, making me feel less grossed out.

Two paramedics and two police officers show up. The medics deem they've been dead since 1:30 yesterday afternoon. A female cop bends down tiny height. "Why didn't you call yesterday sweetie?" She asks politely.

"I thought they were only napping. They always sleep for a long time after getting high." I reply. Both cops look at each other.

They take me to some foster care place. I guess I'll be living here until I get fostered or adopted. It can't be that bad. Can it?

I look at the blank room with a small cot. Not bothering to put away my things, I take out my stuffed dog Maggie and shove the suitcase under the cot. I see another cot, made perfectly. I wonder who sleeps there. As if someone heard my thoughts, a girl comes in. She looks to be my age.

"Hi. I'm Ali." She says. "I am eight."

"Hi Ali. I'm Naomi."

"Did your parents leave you or die?" I consider lying, but decide to tell the truth instead.

"They died of a drug overdose." I feel close to tears. "What about you?"

"They dumped me here two years ago. I guess they loved getting high more than me. After two months, they died in a car crash."

"So both." I say, more to myself than her.

"Yeah. Anyway, we are going to get along great."

I smile as she sits on my bed. She eyes my stuffed dog. "That's Maggie. I've had her since I was born." I say and let her hold it.

"It's soft." Ali strokes the toy's fur.

"Yeah." She hands it back and I just cuddle with it. Until we get called for lunch.

For lunch, we have peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and chips. To drink we get milk. Then for dessert, we get jello. I eat hungrily and drink the milk. Sighing, satisfied, I look at all the faces. There are a few boys and a few girls. Not too many of us. I guess even this place is limited.

After lunch, a plump woman walks over to me. Her name tag says 'Darla'. "So, you the new girl?" She asks. I nod.

"I'm Naomi."

"I didn't ask for your name." Darla says, slapping my face. This would be a long wait for parents.

Sorry the chapters are so short. As she grows up, they'll get longer. Also, should I do Lin's POV when he reads Naomi's letters?