A PLACE CALLED HOME

CHANGE OF MINDSET 2

Rhea smiled slightly. "You know, Tessa, building a home for yourself... it's about finding people who vibe with you, wherever that is. If you feel like you'd fit in another country, with people and culture that click... maybe that's a place to build on."

Tessa's eyes lit up a bit with the idea.

Rhea continued, "You start small. Find communities, people like you, do stuff that makes you feel like you belong. That's how you build a home – with people who see you, and you see them ."

Tessa nodded slowly, a small smile forming.

Tessa looked at Rhea, a determination creeping into her expression. "You know what? I'm done causing trouble. I'm gonna focus on my studies, graduate high school... and then go to a country that speaks to me for college."

Rhea raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Yeah? Which country's calling you?"

Tessa smiled, thinking. "Don't know yet. But I'll find it. And that's where I'll build a place... a home, for myself."

Rhea nodded, a warm smile on her face. "That's the plan, kid. Find that place. Make it yours."

After few hours Emily walked into the police station with a tablet in hand. She approached the officer handling Tessa's case. "Please, can she speak to her mom via video call? Her parents are out of town."

The officer nodded, and they set up the call. Tessa's mom appeared on screen.

Hello, officer, she said, looking apologetic. "I'm so sorry about this. I apologize for my daughter's actions. We'll pay for the damages."

The police officer nodded, explaining the situation. Tessa's mom listened, then said, "Thank you, officer. Please release her to Emily's care. We'll handle this when we get back."

The officer nodded, satisfied. "Alright, she's free to go."

Emily took care of the remaining paperwork, and they led Tessa out of the cell. Rhea gave her a warm smile as she left.

As they walked out of the police station, Emily turned to Tessa, her expression stern. Tessa, what on earth were you thinking? Egging houses and smashing a police van window?

Tessa looked down, her earlier defiance fading.

Emily continued, "You know your parents are working hard, and you pull something like this? They're gonna be so disappointed."

Tessa mumbled something, looking sheepish.

Emily sighed. "Look, Tessa, you need to think before you act. No more crazy stuff, okay? Focus on your studies."

Tessa nodded quietly as they got into the car. She buckled her seatbelt, her mind drifting to her conversation with Rhea... about wanting a place that feels like home, and maybe finding it in another country one day.

Tessa glanced out the window, a small nod to herself .