Foster Further

 Something is happening with Jane. She is, like the Velveteen Rabbit, becoming...real. Real emotions, genuine reactions revealed instead of hidden, seeking physical comfort, stating her need with the expectation of having it met.  These things are happening in the tiniest of ways. Just little moments once a day. One quick choice to take a different path she's never taken before. A moment as quick as the blink of an eye but still, I see the change.  For example, during the last two weeks, when I've picked her up from school there have been 2 or 3 days where she has looked distressed at pickup. Worry or fear, it was written there on her face, though I didn't know what or why. (Previously, her usual demeanor, would've been an artificial display of happiness--too much, too fake, too plastic, like a Disney character every damn day.) On these days when distress is written on her face, I have waited till we are alone and then asked her what was wrong. She always lies first. I ...