SANDS OF DELUSION 


By Tessa Harvey


The woman peered over her thin glasses at Maria. "So one of the girls is now pregnant, Mrs. er...."
    "Alvarez," supplied Maria, bracing herself.
    "Yes, well, how could that have happened? You have a duty of care, you know."
"Apparently, they both took time off school."
"Yes, well," the woman huffed. "We will, of course support a termination under the circumstances."
    "We don't think that it is necessary," replied Maria, praying for patience and wisdom. "Luis and I are prepared to support Katherine at this time."
    "What on earth are you talking about?" demanded the State Representative for Children in Foster Care.
    "There is not another option. The girl is a minor. She is merely in your care, which has not been quite satisfactory, as you must admit. She is far too young to care for a child.
    Again she peered over her spectacles, this angular woman with her desk tidy and ordered.
    Her expression softened slightly. "The child will receive counselling of course. Then continue her life. It is merely a minor hiccup. However the sharpness returned to her voice. "If you prefer a new placement, we can remove her from your care."
    "We would like to seek legal advice," stated Maria firmly. "Kitty wants to keep her child." She stood and left the colourless office, hoping her shaky legs would support her.




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