Safe Haven

Foster Family Casting

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"So, uh, what are you doing for a living?" Jay asked, looking expectantly at the couple. He wanted to co-decide on the choice of the foster family for Charlie. Charlie was there, too, but she played with dolls in the play area and was not much interested in her potential new parents.

"We own a health food store," the woman said. She wore many necklaces, bracelets and a colorful dress.

"We think healthy eating is important and you should know where your food comes from. The animals have a right to a decent life," the woman said. Meanwhile, Jay looked at the social worker. He wanted a normal family for Charlie and no hippies.

"Where do you live?" Jay asked curiously.

"At the campsite. Harmony with nature is very important to us," answered the man who wore a colorful homemade shirt. It was enough information for Jay. Charlie will not come to this family.

"Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, would you please wait outside," the social worker asked, pointing to the door. The couple said goodbye and the annoyed looks of the social worker fell on Jay.

"You can adopt the girl, too," suggested the social worker.

"I just want Charlie to come to a loving and normal family. You can't tell me there is no suitable family," Jay said tense. Already half the day he got to know foster and adoptive parents, but no one fit. There was the one woman with her 20 cats. The couple with the 9 foster children who only want money. Or the couple, who smelled strongly of smoke.

He wanted to have someone who loved the child like his own. Jay just wanted Charlie to have a family to take care of her, play with her and laugh or comfort her. But somehow none of the presented couples was able to give this to the child. He probably had too high expectations himself.

"Detective. These were all families who would currently be able to accept a child. Charlie will be fine with the Johnson family."

"I don't know. The Johnsons were pretty weird and vegan and hippie education doesn't really fit into my worldview," Jay shared his thoughts.

"Could it be that you don't want to let the child go?" She asked tense.

"I can't take care of a toddler. I don't have time," Jay said.

"Think well. Charlie seems to like you very much," she smiled, pointing to the girl, who was holding onto his trouser leg and making it clear that she wanted to be taken in his arms. With a jerk he picked her up, "What do you say, Charlie? Which family did you like?"

Charlie hid her face in his T-shirt while her little arms wandered around his neck.

"I think she wants to stay with you." the social worker noted, gave him a application form and said goodbye.

Jay led Charlie to the bullpen. He still had no nursery school or even a babysitter for the child. After all, he did not think it would be so difficult to find new parents for the child. Affectionately, she clasped his leg. She does not like being in a strange environment. Jay felt her uncertainty and squatted down to her height.

"Charlie, you know them all." Jay said, but the toddler just shook her head. Hailey and Kim came to his side admiring the little girl.

"You're so cute," Kim gushed, nudging her finger on the small nose, causing Charlie to giggle.

"Do you know what, Charlie?" Hailey asked, "We have a surprise for you."

Charlie looked at Hailey with sparkling eyes. She loved surprises and gifts. Kim reached for her hand. The two ladies led the toddler into the break room, where a Playmobil set awaits them.

"Did you find a family?" Hank asked curiously. Jay shook his head and told Hank that all the potential candidates did not meet the requirements.

Hank just shook his head in disbelief. He can not shake the feeling that Jay fell in love with the little kid, that Jay discovered his father's feelings. But above all, the child gave him a certain joy. A few years ago when he found the child, Jay was quite a chaot. The events at that time confused the detective, but the toddler enchanted this man. He was sure that Jay could become a good caring father.