(Gia is 16 here) (Winter - November 2022)

The day began as it often did in winter—cloudy and cold, with the kind of chill that seeped into your bones. By the time the final bell rang at Gia Bennett’s school, even the weak comfort of the classroom heaters was gone, leaving her to brace against the bitter air outside.

Her mom had forgotten to pick her up again. It wasn’t the first time, and Gia doubted it would be the last. Life hadn’t been kind to them lately, and her mom—working late shifts and fighting battles Gia couldn’t fully understand—was stretched too thin to remember small things like school pickups. Gia tried not to hold it against her. She was exhausted too, in her own way, worn down by the weight of a life that always seemed a step away from unraveling.

Shoving her hands deep into her jacket pockets, her breath misting in the air. At least it wasn’t snowing yet. Winter was cruel, but the relief she felt at that thought was short-lived. A heavy drop of water coldly splattered onto her jacket.

Her pace quickened as she navigated the cracked sidewalks of her neighborhood. The old apartment complexes loomed around her, their walls streaked with grime and faded graffiti.

Some kids at school had talked about their holiday plans—ski trips, family dinners, shiny new gifts under decorated trees. Gia didn’t have much to add to the conversation, so she’d stayed quiet, as she always did. Christmas in the Bennett household was just another day. Maybe they’d scrape together something small if her mom’s paycheck stretched far enough, but Gia didn’t count on it. Counting on anything felt like setting herself up for disappointment.

Another fat drop hit her cheek, colder this time, followed by another. She pulled her hood up, the fabric doing little to shield her from the icy drizzle that had begun to fall.

A voice behind her broke the silence. “Uh, yeah?” Gia said, stopping and turning toward the sound. She adjusted her hood, brushing a strand of dark hair out of her face, unsure of who was addressing her.