At 6:17 the next morning, Karen sent a message to the phone number she had left with Mom.
Just checking in. Did everyone sleep okay?
Mom replied with a photo.
Eli curled under the star curtain.
Me sprawled across the top bunk.
Both of us completely asleep.
A minute later Karen texted back.
Sometimes safety looks exactly like this.
I still draw houses with warm glowing windows.
But now when I draw them, I don’t leave the rooms empty anymore.
I fill them with people.
Tired people.
Strong people.
People who are barely holding on.
And always one person standing at the door…
holding a lamp. ✨
