Beneath Autumn Skies
by
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The gray metal door closed behind her. Kate surveyed her surroundings; the room was sparse of any tangible substance; the four windowless walls were clinical and cold. Every sound and movement resonated within its blank space. A sheet, blanket, and pillow lay folded at the foot of a small bed. A simple white metal chair resided against the wall beside the door.
Methodically, the girl spread the white sheet across the thin mattress, laying the light blue blanket on top and placing the small pillow at the head of the bed.
Through the vent at the bottom of the door, Kate heard the conversations between the staff as they passed by; their words were muffled and unclear. Crouching down near the vent, Kate pressed her ear against it, hoping to hear an explanation as to why she found herself locked away, a reason her world was becoming smaller and more isolated. After only a few moments, the child surrendered to her fate; on the bed; she closed her eyes, trying to suppress the tears and fears that threatened to overwhelm her.
“Am I lost and forgotten? Does anyone know where I am, or does anyone care what is happening to me?”
Everyone in her young life had been taken from her. Emotions welled up in her throat; tears pooled in her eyes. Like a boiling pot that would inevitably spill over, she could not risk losing control. It took all of the strength within her to push the hurt and loneliness down deep inside. She was determined to remain in power while the world around her spun once again out of control. Forcing her sobs back, Kate struggled to recall happier times. They were scarce yet endearing memories. She let her mind wander to the past once again.
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About the Book
Set in the late 1960’s a young girl journeys through personal as well as family heartbreak. At six years old, Kate Lynn Swedin encounters the foster care system for the first time. With a mentally unstable mother and an alcoholic Father, Kate is taken away from all she has ever known and plunged into a darkness that threatens to break her.
Just when Kate feels she has reached her darkest point a hand reaches out with a glimmer of hope her heart has longed for. Sophia, a short Italian woman in her mid thirties along with her husband Paul take on the challenge of raising Kate and her three siblings. Now Kate meets a future that is full of opportunity for discovering what love and compassion is from strangers who hold her future happiness in their hands.
About the Author
Teresa Doherty resides in Running Springs, California and is a devoted mother of six grown children. Teresa has been in children’s ministry for over twenty years. As a former foster child, she has a unique insight into the foster-care system. The story of Kate is based on Teresa’s childhood and gives an intimate look at life through the eyes of a foster child.