In a different universe, my parents would have put me into music lessons instead of foster care. My sister wouldn't have been hateful, and all the other people who were supposed to love me unconditionally wouldn't have made me feel worthless. Maybe then, I wouldn't be so scared of losing any love I receive now.

In a different universe, I wouldn't know what it's like to beg for change on the street or worry about where my next place to stay will be. I wouldn't know what it's like to go to bed hungry night after night. Money wouldn't be an issue because maybe then I wouldn't ever have to worry about hiding it away for my great...