Natalie arrived at Michael’s uncle’s apartment later that afternoon, the station’s artificial day cycle casting a warm, golden hue through the porthole-style windows. The apartment was small but well-kept, filled with the remnants of a meticulous life. Tools, schematics, and partially assembled projects were carefully packed into labeled crates stacked along the walls. Michael sat cross-legged on the floor, sorting through his late uncle’s personal belongings with an expression of quiet determination.
“Hey, Michael,” Natalie greeted, stepping inside and closing the door behind her. She placed her bag on the counter and walked over, glancing at the organized chaos around him. “How are you holding up?”
Michael glanced up briefly, offering her a faint smile. “I’m okay. Just trying to get everything sorted before the movers come tomorrow. Uncle Desmond’s kids are on their way to the system, so I’m storing everything until they can decide what to keep or donate.”
Natalie knelt beside him, picking up a small photograph of Michael and his uncle standing in front of a refurbished freighter. She smiled softly. “You’ve been through so much in such a short time. I know this isn’t easy.”
Michael shrugged, his focus returning to the crate in front of him. “It’s just stuff. What matters is making sure I don’t lose anything important. Uncle Desmond always said to be prepared for anything.”
Natalie nodded, her expression turning serious. “That’s good advice because we might need to act fast. Michael, I have to warn you—Martha from Family Services is pushing harder than we anticipated. She’s determined to have you moved into foster care, and we’re running out of time to counter her efforts.”
Michael paused, his hands stilling over a stack of old technical manuals. “Foster care? Why would she do that when I’m already doing fine here?”
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Natalie sighed, choosing her words carefully. “She’s arguing that this environment isn’t suitable for a teenager. She claims you’d be better off in a more ‘traditional’ family setting and attending a standard high school. But you and I both know that’s not what’s best for you.”
Michael’s jaw tightened, and he resumed packing with more force than necessary. “That doesn’t make any sense. I’m doing great in my program. I’ve already earned college credits, and the shipyard’s been like home my whole life. Why can’t she just leave me alone?”
Natalie placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Because sometimes people like Martha think they know what’s best for everyone, even when they don’t have the full picture. But listen, we’re not going to let her disrupt everything you’ve worked for. The lawyers are preparing for your emancipation, but we can’t officially start the process until after your graduation ceremony.”
Michael frowned, confusion flickering across his face. “Why not?”
“It’s part of the agreement you signed with the trust,” Natalie explained. “The lawyers manage the trust until you’ve graduated. Once that happens, we’ll have everything ready to file for your emancipation. But until then, we need to be prepared for anything. Martha is under the impression that you’re a typical student and have at least two, if not three, more years of high school ahead of you. That misunderstanding might be the only thing buying us time. Still, you need to have all your belongings packed and ready to go in case she forces a move.”
Michael’s shoulders slumped slightly, but he nodded. “Okay. I’ll make sure everything’s ready. But what happens if she actually gets the transfer order?”
Natalie’s expression hardened. “If that happens, we’ll file an emergency injunction. It might buy us enough time to finish the school term and get you through graduation. The important thing is to stay focused and not let her shake your confidence. You’ve come too far to let someone like Martha derail your future.”
Michael nodded again, his determination rekindled. “Thanks, Natalie. I’ll be ready.”
As they continued sorting through his uncle’s belongings, Natalie marveled at Michael’s resilience. Despite everything he’d endured, he remained steadfast, refusing to let fear dictate his path. She knew the road ahead would be difficult, but she was equally certain that together, they would prevail.