“Are you sure you don’t want to come home, dear?” It’s a simple question, but I don’t think a child can grow up without hearing these words. Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever heard them before. How strange. I guess my parents never needed to. I was under their care and protection since the day I was born. Now, though, their worry certainly isn’t unfounded. And yet, she was always smiling. “No,” I manage to say. “I’ll be all right.” “It’s okay, Dad. Everyone here is really nice to me. Honest.” I’m lying again. “Leave? I’m not going to abandon these people, Dad. They’re my friends!” “And?”