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waist.
    “Ann, I’ve missed you. It’s been too long.” Emotion clogged her throat. Ann was the director of the group foster home where she and David grew up. Kelsey knew how lucky they’d been in being placed under her care. She watched over the young residents in her charge like a mama bear. Anything she wasn’t comfortable talking to David about would end up in Ann’s lap. Girl things.
    “Come into my office where we can talk.” Ann guided Kelsey to a large room and sat her down. “So, how are you? And I don’t mean the ‘I’m fine’ answer you’ve given me the last few months.”
    She gazed at the caring woman who helped her transition from a shy, withdrawn child into a young lady. Ann pushed all her young wards to focus beyond basic day to day survival. Too many children growing up in the system succumbed to the hard world once they were on their own. Her motto was to develop a plan, work the plan, and have the plan succeed.
    “Well, I’m here and that’s a start. I’m going to work with David.” She paused and then added with an eye roll. “I’m sure you already heard this.”
    “Honey, I’m always here for you, whenever you need me.” Ann clapped her hands together in glee. “I was thrilled when you called and mentioned you were coming for a visit. Since I moved here and started this job, I haven’t been able to take a vacation. I’m even more excited now if you’re not leaving. Wait a minute.” She reached into the desk drawer and brought out a stack of papers. “These just came to me this morning.”
    Kelsey accepted the pictures of a small detached garage. “What’s this?”
    “It’s something for you to think about. This apartment is not big, but you could live there until you get familiar with the area and decide on a place that’s more permanent. The cost is reasonable. Unless you’re planning on living with David.”
    She shook her head. “No. They asked me to, but I need to be on my own. My new life starts here, today. Can I take these and go by to check it out?”
    “Sure, the garage apartment belongs to one of our seniors. I’ll call and tell her you’re coming over. There’s no pressure if you don’t like what you see.”
    They chatted for the better part of an hour until Ann jumped to her feet. “Kelsey, I have a session to attend, but we can talk later if you’re going to be around.”
    She grinned at her friend. “Still whipping people into shape?”
    “Yes, and since you were rude and brought up my penchant for meddling, I’d like for you to visit with this group after you get settled in.”
    She tried to maintain her smile but didn’t know if she was too successful. “Okay, I understand. You and David did talk, but I’m going to tell you what I told him. I’ll think about meeting with a new therapist. Can we leave it for now?”
    “We can and we will. You’ll be the one to decide when and if you’re ready. I’ve got to go, or I’ll be late.”
    “You know me. Point me in the right direction, and I’ll get out of your hair.”
    Ann chuckled. “The world is a constantly changing place, but it’s comforting to know that some things never will. The court is down the hall and outside on the left.”
    Cold air wrapped around her when she exited the building. She was anxious to find one of her favorite activities. A basketball court had been her second home as a teen and managed to take her to college on a scholarship. All aspects of the game captivated her. She loved the hard work, discipline and sheer pleasure of competing.
    Three teenage boys were already playing when she found the court. They stared at her with the wary eyes of kids that live in places where vigilance kept you safe.
    She joined them and smiled. “Hey, how about a little pickup game?”
    “Yeah, and who’s going to play? You ?” snorted a slim, Hispanic boy.
    “Hmm, okay. I tell you what. If I can score a basket, then I get to join you.”
    He contemplated her while the other