a ray of light in the darkness

It was during this time that Mrs. Geoff brought up the idea of fostering you. “I know it’s a lot to consider, Alex,” she said one evening over dinner, her voice soft and careful. “But I want you to know that you’re part of this family now. If it’s something you’d be open to, I’d love to make it official. I know that you're a full fledge adult at 20 years old, but you're still a boy or sometimes a girl. You need someone to take care of you and I would like to be that person.”

The idea of being officially part of the Geoff family filled you with a strange, almost bittersweet feeling. The thought of being adopted as Mrs. Geoff’s foster child felt like a lifeline, something solid and dependable in the midst of your chaotic life. And yet, it also felt like another nail in the coffin of your past, a final acknowledgment that the family you once had was truly gone.

But the more you thought about it, the more it felt right. Mrs. Geoff had been there for you in ways your own family hadn’t, offering a kindness and acceptance that was both healing and transformative. And so, after careful consideration, you agreed.

The process of becoming Mrs. Geoff’s foster child was surprisingly quick. The paperwork was filed, the home visits completed, and soon, you found yourself officially recognized as part of the Geoff family. Mrs. Geoff was overjoyed, embracing you tightly the day the papers were finalized. “Welcome to the family, Alexis,” she said, using the name you had begun to embrace as your own.