When I get back to my room, I pull out my phone. The calls were an excuse, but it's probably still a good idea to let my dad know I'll be delayed longer than I expected. I hate leaving him alone back at the Center, but there's nothing I can do. I'm stuck here, whether I like it or not.
Dad's flustered when I get him on the line. He sounds even worse than he did last night.
"What's going on?" I say.
He sighs. "Ella quit this morning. She felt really bad about it, you could see, but she found a position at an office downtown. Not that I blame her. Her last paycheck bounced. We were going to have to let her go soon anyway, and she was smart enough to see that."
I don't blame her either. Ella's stuck with us through a lot, but she has to make a living, just like everyone else. Still, now t
