A PLACE CALLED HOME

CHANGE OF MINDSET

Tessa slumped in the back seat of the police car, her wrinks still visible despite the cuffs on her wrists. The officer driving glanced at her in the rearview mirror, but said nothing. Principal Miller sat beside her, his expression a mix of disappointment and concern. "Tessa, what got into you? Egging houses is one thing, but a police van? You're better than this."

Tessa shrugged, her grin still plastered on her face. "Just having a bit of fun, sir."

The car pulled into the police station. The police tried to reach her parents, but they had left town a few hours ago for business. Emily, who was in charge, arrived, but the police insisted on a personal guardian. Since her parents weren't available, they put Tessa in a cell.

Tessa sat quietly with several ladies. One of them looked at her. "What happened, kid?"

Tessa explained how she egged houses and smashed a police van window.

The ladies asked, "Why'd you do that?"to

Tessa looked down. "I wanted my parents to notice me."

The other ladies laughed. But Rhea, a 28-year-old lady, moved towards Tessa and sighed. The others started whispering amongst themselves.

Rhea sat down beside Tessa, her expression soft. "Kid, why would you go to this extent just for them to notice you?"

Tessa looked down, her grin fading. "I don't know... since I was little, they've always been busy. Business trips, meetings, deals... I'd be lucky if they remembered my birthday."

Rhea listened intently.

Tessa continued, "I thought if I did something big, something crazy... they'd see me. Like, they'd have to notice me then."

Rhea sighed quietly. "You deserve better than 'noticing' like that, kid." She smiled at Tessa as she nod. "I just want a place that feels like home," Tessa said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I know I sound weird, but..."

Then her expression softened further. "No, kid, you don't sound weird. You sound like someone who's been missing something real."

Tessa looked up at Rhea, a hint of surprise on her face.

Rhea continued, "A home's not just a place, it's people who care. Sounds like you've been needing some of that."

Tessa shrugged, looking up at Rhea saying "I don't know"

Rhea leaned in a bit, her voice gentle. "See, Tessa, a home's not just walls and a roof. It's people who care about you, who got you, you know? A house is just bricks; a home's where you feel seen. It's where you feel like you belong."

Tessa listened, eyes locked on Rhea.

Rhea continued, "Getting your parents' attention like this... might not get you what you want, kid. They might show up, but will they really see you?"

Tessa's expression turned thoughtful.

Rhea added, "Maybe what you need's people who show they care in the small things, not just when you do crazy stuff. Like, home could be with people who've got your back, even if they're not blood. Or it might be in a place with people and culture in another country, where you feel like you fit."

Tessa looked at Rhea, curious.