Elizabeth sat in a heap at the center of the rug in her new bedroom. All around her, in every corner and seemingly every blank space of the wall, a girlish decoration leered at her with hellish grins. Black-eyed dolls stared in cruel curiosity. Rainbow-colored unicorns poked their heads out from the crush of toy chests, eager to spy the young ice-blue-eyed princess with the sun spun hair. A mob of Barbie dolls sat posed within their summer chateau, waiting for the child to speak. Their plastic ears strained against the quiet… Listening.

"I hate it here," Elizabeth whispered. She clutched her teddy bear to herself.

The well-loved bear gave a smile. It was his only response and expression stitched to his tan-colored muzzle and chocolate button nose. Her eyes swept over the garish decorations inside the room, taking in the overwhelming impressions of the paintings and demands from the staring toys.

"I want to go home…"

"You are home, sweetheart," said a soft-toned voice from behind Elizabeth.

She turned and saw a woman standing in the door frame, watching her as she discovered her new living quarters. The woman was of average height with dark brown hair that fell gently about her shoulders. She regarded Elizabeth with kind, light green eyes and quiet features that instantly made her appear warm. The woman wore loose-fit slacks and an oversized sweater that looked just as soft as the plush toys crowding the room. She remained at the door frame, not daring to step foot inside the room where Elizabeth was now in residence. She crossed her arms and leaned casually against the molding.

"I know it's not your old home," the woman continued, her tone soothing and understanding. "But I hope that over time, you will come to think of it as your home… And maybe us as your family."

Elizabeth only stared at the woman. Her eyes told the woman all that she needed to know of what Elizabeth was thinking and feeling.

"I get it. You're scared. You don't know what is going on. I'm pretty sure you half expected to remain in that orphanage your entire life," said the woman.

"I wasn't in an orphanage," Elizabeth corrected.

"Of course you weren't. Where you were wasn't the best place for you. You've been through quite a lot for such a young child. I can only imagine what you've been through."

Elizabeth said nothing as she regarded the woman. She watched as the woman ventured into the room and sat down on a bench close to the door. It was clear she did not want to invade Elizabeth's space, at least not at the moment. She was cautious and timid. Elizabeth noted the woman held herself even more as she sat.

"I promise you. No one is going to hurt you here, Elizabeth," the woman assured. "No one is going to leave you. No one is going to take you away."

Elizabeth drew in and clutched her bear closer to her chest.

"How do you like your room?"

Elizabeth looked around again then back at the woman. She didn't give an answer, only a blank expression offering nothing. The woman's expression continued to look very concerned, despite her gentleness.

"I know it's going to take some time for you to get used to things. To get used to me. I hope we can become friends. You like your room, don't you? I did my best to make it as nice as possible. I've never had a daughter before. I didn't know what you would like."

Elizabeth continued to stare at the woman, unwilling to speak any further. She could tell her silence was quickly unnerving the woman. Her anxiousness nicked persistently at her as she grasped at her arms, attempting to fold her nerves within herself. She stood somewhat suddenly and went back to the safety of the door frame.

"I know it's different, but different doesn't always have to be bad. This can be good… For both of us. I've always wanted a daughter… I thought I would never have the chance to have one… Not since… Well… Then you came along and..." The woman turned back to Elizabeth and smiled. "I couldn't have prayed for a more beautiful angel than the one I see before me now."

A tear fell from the woman's right eye as she looked at Elizabeth lovingly.

"Maybe one day you'll come to like it here. Just takes time. Maybe one day, you'll see me as your mommy and us as your family. We think of you as part of us now."

The woman stood a moment more at the door before turning and walking down the hallway. Elizabeth sat still on the floor, clutching her teddy bear. She almost felt sad for the woman. When she moved, she revealed a family photo on the wall behind her. In the picture, the woman, her husband, and a young boy about her same age posed for the snapshot. The family smiled the same canned smile, all dressed the same in white button-down shirts and light-colored jeans. Elizabeth wondered if she would be expected to dress in a white shirt and jeans with them so she could be added to the photo.

Would they tape her picture at the place where she should have been posed with the family?

Would they digitally graph her there with them so that it appeared she was there the entire time?

Elizabeth turned back to the teddy bear in her arms. Tears welled in her eyes, and she felt herself shake again.

"I don't like it here," she moaned softly. "I want to go home. How much longer will I have to be here? Is mama coming to get me?"

The bear stared at her with its half grin and small dark brown eyes. Elizabeth wept softly into the bear's fur as she crushed it to her. After a few sobs, Elizabeth sat up straight and wiped her eyes. She pulled in a breath.

"Be a big girl. Focus," Elizabeth told herself, repeating words she often heard her mother speak whenever she seemed lost in thought. "Focus."

Elizabeth looked at the bear again and sat it down on the rug in front of her. She considered the bear once more before pressing its soft, round nose.

"Have you found my mom? Does she know where I am? You have to tell her where I am. You have to tell Michael, too. So they can come to find me and take me home. You have to do this. You said you'd help me. You said you'd help my mom… When will they come to get me?"

Elizabeth sighed.

The bear only sat and smiled back.

"When am I going to go home?" Elizabeth looked down at the pink fluff of the rug.

A crackling sound emitted from the bear.

Elizabeth looked at the bear.

A voice softly responded.

"… Soon…"