Projection

44 • acceptance

"They're going to love you," he promised before sweetly kissing his love's cheek and knocking on his family's front door.

Abel's heart was beating out of his chest as the rambunctious screams of children reached his ears. His eyes widened as a young girl opened the door with an over exuberant greeting. Soon, many others joined the girl and shouted their own hello's.

"The nerve of you all," a woman chided. "Give the boy some space."

Almost instantly, Abel had room to breathe again. A woman with dark brown curls smiled brightly at him. She had shining hazel eyes.

"You must be Abel." She gave him a warm hug. "Come on in, sweetheart. Dinner's almost ready."