Chapter Four

Kyra learns about her group and gets closer to Shawn

Mr. Francis stood there in shock. He looked up at me with his mouth wide open. He walked over to me, speechless.

"Okay. Ms. I mean Dr. Evans thinks you should sleep in the nurses station tonight."

"Why?"

"She wants us to monitor you."

"Fine."

"You can go back with the other kids."
I nodded my head and walked back to Rosa.

A bunched of questions ran through my head. Why do they have to monitor me? Am I messed up like my father? I am so confused.

I sat down in the corner away from everyone. I just wanted to be alone for now. I needed time to think about things. I put my head down in my knees and thought. I had flashbacks for the first time. Maybe I am disturbed.

"Are you okay?" Shawn said as he sat down next to me. I lifted up my head as I felt tears stream down my face.

"I would say yes, but that would be lying," I said, wiping the tears away.

"What is wrong?"

"A lot of things."

"I'm listening."

For the first time in my life, I trusted someone. I sat up and explained everything to Shawn. He seemed like he was really interested , like he was listening. I explained to him about my father. I told him everything. I felt so much better. I felt less anxious. I felt cared for.

"I am truly sorry Kyra. My life has been rough also. Mine is the other way around from yours. My mom was the crazy one. I know how you feel. I am here for you."

I leaned over to Shawn to give him a hug. He helped me off the floor and we walked back over to the group. Mr. Francis was walking towards the announcer.
"Attention everyone. Dinner is in five minutes. Please make your way to the diner."

Shawn and I left before the rest of our group.

We walked and talked about him. He was an interesting guy. He loved baseball and reading. My two favorite things.

We arrived at the diner and we got a table in the back for our group. It smelled so good in here. Suddenly my appetite showed up.

"We buffet here. They put food out and you can take as much as you want," said Shawn.

"Sounds good to me," I said smiling.

I walked up to the buffet and it all looked so good. They had pot roast, mashed potatos, and baked apples. Plus so much more. I seen Shawn take a little of everything, so I did the same.

We all sat down and started to talk about our lives. Rosa had an alcoholic dad and a suicidal mother. John had a mom that killed herself and his dad in an accident. Mike ran away after he was sexually abused by his parents. Leah was raped by her father and her mother was a junkie. I thought I had it bad.

Dinner was over and we all headed back upstairs. We gathered around the air hockey table and played against each other. It turned to bed time quick. Everyone went upstairs except for me. I headed downstairs to the nurses station where Mr. Francis was waiting for me.

"We are putting heart rate indicators on you while you sleep. If we sense anything we will wake you up," said Mr. Francis.

I nodded my head then layed down on the cott. I tried to relax but my muscles were so tense.

"Just sleep now," said Mr. Francis. Then I slowly drifted into sleep.