I never understood why people were so intent on celebrating birthdays, it was just like any other day, except everyone wanted to sit you down and sing a cringy song over a wax-covered, flavorless cake.
"Come on Abby, it's your birthday! I'm sure moving from here will be great. It has to be a sign or somethin' ." My older brother unsuccessfully attempts to get me eager to meet the new foster family.
"I just don't get how you get all excited over this," I wave my arms a bit, before grabbing another shirt, "they'll just send us back within a month." I throw my last shirt into my bag, "and besides, you know the only reason they're sending us out is that they have no more space here." I flop down on the old cot I had been so graciously offered when we got sent back from the last house. We had spent a total of three months with the last family before they gave up on us and had us sent back. Jeremiah and I were shoved in some back-area storage closet with two dusty cots and a busted lamp.
"I'm just saying maybe you should at least try to give them a chance, you know?" Jeremiah sighed as he slumped against the doorframe. "Maybe you'll see that it won't be that bad."
I glared at him, "that's what you said about the Jeffersons,"
He raised his hands in defense, "I kno-"
"And the Berkleys, and the Brooks, and the Gates family," I said while listing off the names on my fingers. "Need I continue?".
"No, I get it." He waved his arms as he walked over to sit next to me. "I'm just as sick of moving as you are, believe me, " he leans against me, "but at least we still have each other." I shove him off of the cot "EW! Gross, why did you have to make it all sappy!". He smirks at me from the dirty floor, before standing up and dusting off his pants. " I am your big brother, that's my job," he said before walking back towards the door, but not before turning back, " I'm going to grab a snack from the cafeteria, want anything?"
"Surprise me." I shrugged and stared at the cobwebs that are hanging just above the door.
"All right, I'll give you some space. I'll be back in a bit." He laughs and shuts the door behind him.
I let out a huff, and slumped even further into the cot, and it let out a groan in response. Still staring at the cobweb, wondering how long it has been there, and why I hadn't noticed it sooner. I turn my attention away from the web and zip up my bag. I move it to the floor and lay down on the cot, It let out a longer much more strained whine as I did so. I stare at the ceiling and try to make out shapes in the cracks and bumps.
There's not much you can do here at the shelter. I mean sure, they have an old TV in the common room, but it's usually being used by one of the younger kids. I've seen every episode of Tom and Jerry so many times I could draw them by memory. We have a fenced off backyard, but the majority of it is cracked, and dirty cement. I think there used to be an old swing-set at one point because you can faintly see where the poles where bolted into the ground. Weeds poke out from the cracks in the pavement, and if you're lucky you might be able to find a dandelion to wish on.
On special occasions, one of the workers will go out and buy chalk for us to color with. I used to steal a few and hide them in my pockets so no one else could use them. I'd always get in trouble for it when one of the cleaning staff found them when they went to wash my clothes. After a while, everything kind of got tiring to watch. I guess this place isn't really meant for someone to stay here long.
I rolled over and faced the window. Although it's not much of a window to begin with, it's small, and close to the ceiling. I'm not sure you could even see out out of it anyway, it's coated in dust and more cobwebs. However, that doesn't stop the sun from shining through the glass. I watched the dust particles dance as they floated around in the air. I yawned and stretched my arms above my head, hitting the wall with my fingers, before deciding Jeremiah was taking too long and choosing to take a nap while he's gone. I roll back over and look at the door one last time before I shut my eyes and listen to the buzz from the lamp until I fell asleep.
