I’m trapped.

Of course, that’s all I’ve ever known.

One room to another, over and over again.

Except, this time, there’s no light in this room. This time, it’s just me and the darkness alone. I make all the noise I can, because I know there’s people out there.

Out there.

Out there there’s noise and games and children.

“Where’s mine!?” They say, cheerful as can be.

I start to give up.

Suddenly, the room lifts, and I can hear the human saying, “Poppy! This one’s from Mom and Dad!”

I hear a squeal and soon, there’s light above me.

A child, the most excited one yet, peeks in. She gasps, “Thank you Mommy and Daddy! Thank you thank you thank you!”

She smiles at me like I’m the only thing in the whole world she cares about.

That makes me happy.

She hugs me tight and I kiss her, which makes her laugh.

I’m hers now, and I know it’s going to be permanent this time.

I am gonna be her best friend.