PROLOGUE

Anna placed the tips of her fingers against the frosted glass of one of the larger sixth story windows that overlooked downtown Chicago.
    Though the hospital was mildly cold, she was feeling extremely over-heated. She leaned forward and rested her forehead against the glass, keeping her eyes closed  tightly as she took in deep breaths, attempting to calm herself.
    The doctor had set the manila folder, containing the necessary paperwork the hospital required her to complete, on one of the pale blue polyester chairs behind her. Anna hadn’t even looked at it yet; she wasn’t ready to accept how drastically her life had just changed.
    This wasn’t a surprise- they had both known that it was coming- but she had hoped that maybe there would be some form of last minute miracle. Now, she felt as if she was trapped in some infinite nightmare. Why can’t I wake up? Her tiny fingers curled into her palms, piercing into the crevice in the flesh as she fought back tears. No, get it together. I’m stronger than this, she told herself. Though it was difficult, she regained her composure.
    Slowly, she pried herself away from the window and turned, her wide blue eyes falling on her mothers purse and the pile of papers beside it that were about to change her life forever.
    With a heavy sigh, she ambled towards adulthood.