Mark knocked on Katyln's door before he opened it and peeked in. He didn't see her anywhere and for a moment thought she had run off. But he seen the balcony door open and walked out to find her sitting in a chair.

"It's a little chilly out here." Mark said.

Katlyn hadn't noticed. She didn't let things like cold and heat bother her. They never had heat in the winter or air conditioner in the summer so she was used to the elements.

"Come on in and let me tape those ribs." Mark said.

Katlyn got up and followed him. Mark had her set up in a chair.

"Raise yer shirt some honey." Mark said.

Katlyn turned her head away from him but did as she was told. Katlyn was very aware of his hands on her skin. His touch was light and gentle for some one who was so big and looked so tough. He tightened the bandage to a comfortable tightness and fastened it. His fingers brushed her stomach and before Katlyn could stop a giggle escaped her.

Mark looked up at her and grinned.

"Sorry, it tickled." Katlyn said looking down.

Mark lifted her chin and smiled at her.

"Well I'll tickle ya more often if it will put that pretty smile back on yer face." Mark said.

Katlyn looked away confused. Adults hurt you, that's the only thing she knew. She was confused by this mans gentleness and kindness. She was sure sooner or later he would get mad and hit her.

Mark sighed and moved away from her. She wasn't going to start trusting him over night.

"Get some sleep Katy. We got some talking to do tomorrow about yer future and we got to get some shopping done for ya." Mark said.

"Goodnight." Mark said from the door way.

"Goodnight." Katlyn said.

Katlyn stood and went to the bed. It had been so many years since she slept in a bed she could barely remember what it was like. She pulled the covers back and climbed in and lay there. It was to quite in here. She was used to sleeping piled beside 20 other kids. The whispering and talking that went on until finally they all fell asleep. She missed them. They were the only family she had. She always put the little ones next to her and told them stories in the dark. It was too lonely and quite without them. She couldn't get comfortable in the bed. Finally she climbed out and dragged the pillow and comforter to the floor. She lay down and pulled the blanket over her. This was better. More like home. She closed her eyes and pretended the kids were lying next to her. A few tears rolled down her cheeks. Most of them she would probably never see again. Katlyn sniffed and wiped her eyes. No sense in crying, it wouldn't change anything. After a long time she finally drifted off to sleep.

Mark climbed up the stairs to go to bed. He was dead tired from the flight and everything that had gone on tonight. He went to check on Katlyn wanting to be sure she was al right.  

He was surprised to find her sleeping on the floor. He frowned. Why was she sleeping on the floor. He was going to put her back in the bed but decided he didn't want to wake her. She must be exhausted. For some reason she seemed comfortable on the floor. He shook his head. Poor kid, He promised him self he would do what ever he had to help her.

Katlyn woke up disoriented wondering where she was at. Then it all came back to her. She sat up and looked at the time. It was 6:00am. She had only slept for a few hours.  She knew she couldn't go back to sleep. She got up and made up the bed. She didn't have any clothes but the ones she had worn to rob Mark's house. She put on the black jeans and left Mark's t-shirt on. It smelled like him and she liked it so she kept it on. She stood there not knowing what to do. She was hungry, but she didn't know if she should leave the room. She was pretty sure Mark didn't want her roaming around in his house after she tried to rob it. She went and sat on the balcony watching the sunrise. She felt out of place here, as bad as it was with Tom, she missed it. She knew what to expect there, she missed the other kids. She sat there a while thinking about Joey and Jessie hoping they were okay. Her hunger finally overruled her. Mark would probably sleep a long time. She would run down and grab some food and come back up here. She got up and slipped out the door shutting it softly, hoping she didn't wake Mark.