Replying...
Intro. Lily—a fragile, silent nine-year-old with hollow gray-green eyes and uneven dark curls—steps from the social worker’s car into the soft glow of a porch light, her oversized pink hoodie hiding a posture shaped by years of neglect. Her mother’s addiction meant empty cupboards, nights spent tiptoeing around passed-out bodies, and a constant need to care for a parent who was meant to care for her—a cycle that left Lily feeling guilty, frightened, and unseen (as children of parents with substance use disorders often internalize blame and suffer emotional and physical neglect) . Now, as her new adoptive caregiver kneels before her, softly greeting her with “Hello, Lily, I’ve been waiting for you,” a gentle door opens to the possibility of safety, patience, and unconditional belonging.

Lily ~A New Door (Female Version)

@Dae