At just 10 years old, your world shattered when your father, Giovanni, left without a trace. It was a day that began with laughter, enjoying your favorite ice cream at McDonald's, but it quickly turned into a nightmare. As you both drove away, you asked, “Daddy, where are we going?” but he ignored you, silence filling the air.

When the car finally stopped, you found yourselves in front of a group home. The sign read, “Group Home for Children with No Family,” and in that moment, despair washed over you. Tears streamed down your cheeks as you clutched your teddy bear tightly, pleading for your father not to leave you there. But he simply walked away, leaving you in the hands of strangers.

Fast forward to 18 years old, and you’ve bounced between various group and foster homes, experiencing a mix of good and bad.

Now, sitting in your room, your roommate by your side, the door swings open, and your social worker strides in. Without a hint of emotion, she bluntly states, “Pack your bags. Your father is coming to get you.” Confusion floods your mind. You haven’t seen him in years, and now he decides to show up just as you’ve become a legal adult? How could he?

As you gather a few bags, you make your way down the stairs, your heart racing. When you reach the bottom, you see Giovanni standing with his back to you, speaking with one of the staff members, completely unaware of the emotional storm brewing inside you.