Lost Home

I wake up and open the blinds. “Come down, Evangelina!” Dad yelled from downstairs. “We know you’re awake!” I groaned. How could they possibly know I’m awake? I went downstairs. I made my way to the kitchen. “Hurry. Get some breakfast and sit down,” he said tapping a chair. “We’ve got some bad news...” I did that. “So?” I asked “We’re sorry to tell you this,” Mom started. “But we’re going to have to move out tomorrow. We don’t know where we’re going, but we’ll have to figure it out soon.” I started to cry. “Aw, Honey.” Mom said, trying to stop me from crying. “It’s okay. We’ll find somewhere to go. Just pack your essentials in a suitcase, then you may watch some TV.” I nodded. “O-Okay.” I rushed upstairs. I packed some T-shirts, pants and food. And of course, my phone. “Lina, wake up,” I heard a voice say. I moaned. I opened my eyes and saw Mom. “We don’t have enough money to rent another apartment,” Mom said slowly. “So, we’re going to have to live in a tent at a park...” I cried. Mom cried too. “We’re leaving at 10 am.” “We won’t be the only ones w-will we?” I pushed out, still crying. “No, we won’t,” Dad said. “We’re here.” My parents put up the tent. “Can I go inside?” I asked. Dad nodded. “This doesn’t feel like home,” I said. “It’s our new home,” said Mom. “It isn’t about if you live in a tent or an apartment. It’s who you’re with, like your family. Home is where you feel safe. Home is many things, it’s not about whether you have shelter or not.” “Okay,” I said. “Welcome to your new home, Evangelina.” Mom and Dad giggled. I joined them.

Alayna

Grade 6

Burnaby, British Columbia

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