A 13 second voice message. In the background, shouting. A 9-year-old in an abnormally thin, quavering voice, pleading. 'Come pick me up.' And then, 'I don't want to be here.'
Backtrack a few days. The same 9-year-old, bullying her siblings. Getting mad at someone who can't figure out what they did wrong. Using an abnormally harsh voice. The truth is that that is how she has learned from adults at her other home. The truth is that it hurts to talk about it so it builds up inside and comes out in what looks like bullying and anger. The truth is that I can't fix her other home for her. I can only try to make this one a place of happiness. Of safety.
So, next time, I'll take a deep breath. Offer a hug. Remember that voice message and try to give words that break thru, and be an example. And love her.
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