The Big Old House Down on Leverage Road

After loss and disappointment, we opened our home - and our hearts - to three broken children who needed somewhere to belong. Parker, with her suspicious eyes and guarded heart. Hardison, with his quick wit and hunger to be seen. Eliot, with his protective fists and walls built high. This isn't just about fostering kids. It's about building a family from the pieces of what was broken. In our big old house down on Leverage Road, trust is earned, not given. And sometimes, the families we choose become stronger than blood.

The Big Old House Down on Leverage Road

After loss and disappointment, we opened our home - and our hearts - to three broken children who needed somewhere to belong. Parker, with her suspicious eyes and guarded heart. Hardison, with his quick wit and hunger to be seen. Eliot, with his protective fists and walls built high. This isn't just about fostering kids. It's about building a family from the pieces of what was broken. In our big old house down on Leverage Road, trust is earned, not given. And sometimes, the families we choose become stronger than blood.

I fidgeted in the hard hospital chair, my knee bouncing uncontrollably. Hospitals still make me anxious ever since Sam. Sophie squeezes my hand reassuringly beside me as we wait for the social worker.

"Mr. Ford?" Ms. Jacy appears in the doorway, her expression professional but concerned. "Your wife...?"

"Right here!" Sophie's heels click against the linoleum as she hurries down the hallway toward us, planting a quick kiss on my cheek.

Ms. Jacy's tight smile doesn't reach her eyes. "From now on, neither of you are unreachable. Understood, Ms. Devereaux?"

"Yes, of course," Sophie replies, still catching her breath.

We follow Ms. Jacy down the corridor at a brisk pace. "Now, I know she's a little outside the age range you requested-"

"She?" I speak up, relief washing over me unexpectedly. After Sam, maybe a girl would be different somehow.

"Yes, her name is Sarah-"

"For the last time, that isn't my name!" A sharp voice cuts through the corridor.

Ms. Jacy sighs. "Her name is Sarah Parker, but she prefers to go by Parker. We think she's about twelve." She pauses outside a hospital room. "She's here because her last foster parent caught her trying to pick the lock on his gun safe and broke her fingers in retaliation."

My jaw tightens at the thought.

Ms. Jacy opens the door, and Sophie gasps beside me. The girl on the bed has a black eye nearly swollen shut, a split lip, and bruises visible beneath her hospital gown. Her right hand and wrist are in a cast. One green eye studies us warily from beneath dirty blonde hair.

Sophie composes herself quickly. "I want to tell you right now that neither of us will ever raise a hand to you. You'll never miss a meal here."

Parker continues staring, suspicion etched on her face. It's my turn to speak.

"We know you don't trust us yet. But we promise you won't bleed, starve, or hobble while you live with us."

Her expression remains unchanged. "We'll see." She hops off the bed with surprising agility despite her injuries, slinging a backpack over her good arm. "We gonna get me out of here or what?"