Golden Box Book Publishing GBBPub February Magazine | Page 32

visits, but a day arrived when Mr. Whelk’s deepening depression and
poor physical health became too obvious. He neglected household
chores and some days he didn’t even get out of bed. He lost interest in
everything and stopped talking. He sat staring out the window,
humming to himself, and rarely ate the food Elana and Luca cooked for
him.
The social worker had to make a tough decision. Due to his
deteriorating health, Mr. Whelk was placed in a nursing home and they
returned Elana and Luca back to the state. They had no choice in the
matter.
“A dark cloud is following me, all my life,” Elana cried, supported
by Luca’s shoulder when they were forced to say a quick goodbye to
each other. “I’ve been thrown from one place to the next and when
finally, my life seems stable and happy, the cloud is above me, again.
What will happen to us, Luca? If they separate us, will you find me?”
“I will! I promise,” Luca sobbed.
With all the stability ripped out of her life once again, Elana was
cast back out into the world with nowhere to call home. No more
family, no more structure. But, worst of all, she lost Luca. They were
separated and sent to different foster homes.