HILSA CRUSHING HOPES

After the communal dinner, Abel and Hilsa didn't join the rest in the entertainment hall. Instead, at Abel's request, they stayed behind, eating slowly to avoid raising suspicion.

St. Angela's Group Home was one of San Francisco's largest rescue centers, so it was no surprise that it catered to a large and diverse group of minors.

In the short three hours Abel had been there, he had noticed kids from almost every race. Some seemed polite, a few were even friendly to Hilsa, but most were aloof, clearly preferring to be left alone.

Abel understood this—after all, anyone who found themselves in such a place had likely gone through some tough times.

In a way, he found it a relief compared to the hospital, where he had been subject to constant attention.

His mind was swirling as he tried to figure out how to explain his idea to Hilsa.