The Retreat. By Sam Marie and Daniel B

       Katie’s Journal Entry

      Rosie and I have gotten closer now, we have been sleeping in the same bed since the children went home for the Christmas break. Her sisters and us are the only ones left here, so when they fall asleep she climbs in bed with me. I found out how warm and soft a girl can feel sleeping next to you. She snuggles perfectly, and we sleep peacefully, it feels like I am not alone anymore. I am so afraid to lose her; I know eventually we will grow out of this home and go our separate ways. Maybe there is a way to stay close, I feel like she belongs with me. I know what it feels like to feel unloved and forgotten, I want to love her and keep her forever. She has been my best friend, my partner in crime, my cheerleader; and I have been her protector, her friend, and her support. Our kisses have become a must at least each night at bedtime, and I look forward to being left alone at night so we can have those sweet kisses before we go to sleep. I love holding her as we drift off to sleep.

       Katie’s Journal Entry

      School will be out in a month for the summer, and somehow Alex’s parents came to take him home, back to the U.S. That just hit me out of the blue! He had no idea either, he suspected when he turned 18 he would be going back, but he still had a few months left. I am so torn, missing my one dear friend, the one who knows me better than I know myself. He never judged me, he was kind and loving. I haven’t eaten a full meal for days. I have made up my mind, and I am going to go find Alex. It is so difficult, because that means I have to leave Rosie behind. I somehow just feel that I must go, I will be 18 also in a few months and I want to go back to San Diego anyway. I think my time has come to move on. Yes, change hurts, but sometimes it is necessary. I left without saying good bye, because it would be impossible to leave then. I left a note for Rosie and one for Sister Helena. I hated leaving without doing that at least. I left before anyone got up, walked out into the darkness and was on my way to a new chapter in my life.