Today should be a day of celebration as I mark another year of existence on this earth. However, the joy of my birthday is overshadowed by the heavy news that my foster parents have decided to return me to the shelter. The feeling of being unwanted and rejected is a heavy burden to bear on what should be a special day for me.

As I reflect on the time spent with my foster parents, I can’t help but wonder what went wrong. Was I not a good enough child? Did I not meet their expectations? These questions swirl in my mind, filling me with self-doubt and sadness.

Being returned to the shelter is like being uprooted from the only stability and love I have known in recent times. The prospect of facing uncertainty once again is daunting and overwhelming. The fear of not being able to find a new family who will accept and love me for who I am weighs heavily on my young heart.

Despite the pain and confusion, I try to hold on to the belief that everything happens for a reason. Perhaps this seemingly cruel twist of fate is leading me to a better path, one where I will find a family who will cherish and embrace me wholeheartedly.

As I blow out the candles on my birthday cake, I make a silent wish for a brighter future filled with love, acceptance, and belonging. I refuse to let this setback define me or dim the light within me. I am resilient, strong, and deserving of love and happiness.

So, as I face the uncertainty of what tomorrow may bring, I cling to hope and faith that better days lie ahead. Today may be a bittersweet day, but I choose to hold on to the hope that the best is yet to come.