Another nauseating day in church with the same story line. “He sacrificed his life to save mine.. after all I did…” This sappy storyline I have heard everyday since I moved in here.

I made my way down the hall, and went into the bathroom. I stared in the mirror and splashed my face with the cold water. “Come on Kate, you just gotta put on your big girl panties and deal with this for a bit longer, then you’ll be 18 and out of foster care.” I told myself, holding on to my upcoming freedom.

I returned to the church pew and sat next to my foster mom. She looked pale and tired. “You okay Mrs. Walker?” I whispered , hoping we could leave early. “I’m feeling under the weather, I must have eaten something bad at breakfast. I am going to go the car while you listen to the sermon. Maybe this time you will give yourself to Jesus!”

I rolled my eyes, but knew I should just do as I was told. After all, I couldn’t stand getting moved to another foster home just two months before my 18th birthday. “Okay Mrs. Walker, I’ll stay here. Text me if you need anything. Please feel better.” I said, flashing a phony smile.

30 minutes of pure torture went by. The preacher asked if there was anyone who would like to give their life to Jesus. He looked right at me, knowing full well I thought this was all bullshit. I quickly looked away from his gaze. I grabbed my purse. “I’m gonna check on Mrs. Walker. It will give me an excuse to get out of here.” I thought.

I exited the church doors and went into the parking lot. The sun was blazing down and I noticed a putrid smell. I looked down. A trail of vomit covered the asphalt. I followed the trail of vomit to find Mrs. Walker laying on the Asphalt, her eyes and mouth open, a single fly on her lips. I took a deep breath. I knew most “normal” people would be horrified by this discovery, but me, the kid nobody wants? I’ve seen some shit.

Bending down next to the body I noticed her purse was a few feet away from her, the contents spilled out. “I have to hurry or someone will see!” I thought. I grabbed some cash from her wallet and the keys to her van. I run to the van, sweating from the heat and adrenaline. I fumble with the keys, but end up opening the van.

I smiled and started the van. “ I guess she must have been really sick. Not my problem, though.”