Chapter 2: A Haven

The door creaked open, and Mrs. Patterson's warm smile greeted Zack. "Zack, dear, come on in," she said, her eyes scanning his gaunt face and the desperation in his eyes. "You look like you could use a meal." Zack nodded, feeling a lump form in his throat as he stepped into the warm, welcoming atmosphere of Mrs. Patterson's home. The aroma of freshly cooked food filled his nostrils, and his stomach growled in anticipation. Mrs. Patterson led him to the kitchen, where a steaming plate of food was waiting for him. As he sat down at the table, Zack couldn't help but notice the cozy decorations that adorned Mrs. Patterson's home. There were photos of her family and friends on the walls, and the furniture was old but comfortable. It was a far cry from the cold, unloving environment he was used to at home. Mrs. Patterson sat down across from him, watching as he took his first bite of food. "How are you doing, dear?" she asked, her voice full of concern. Zack shrugged, not wanting to talk about his problems. But Mrs. Patterson's kind eyes encouraged him to open up. "I'm just...hungry," he said, taking another bite of food. Mrs. Patterson nodded, understanding. "You're welcome to stay for dinner, Zack. I'll make sure you have enough to eat." As they ate, Zack couldn't help but think about how different Mrs. Patterson's home was from his own. There was love and warmth here, not just empty calories and broken dreams. He felt a pang of sadness, wondering why his own home couldn't be like this. Over the years, Zack had grown accustomed to visiting Mrs. Patterson's home. She would often invite him over for dinner, and he would gladly accept. She was kind and caring, always making sure he had enough to eat and a comfortable place to sit. But it wasn't just the food and shelter that Zack appreciated. Mrs. Patterson had a way of listening that made him feel heard. She would ask him questions about his day, and really listen to his responses. It was a small thing, but it made Zack feel seen and valued. As they finished dinner, Mrs. Patterson asked Zack about his day. He hesitated, not wanting to burden her with his problems. But something about her kind eyes made him open up. "It's just been tough, Mrs. Patterson," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "My dad...he's not very nice to me." Mrs. Patterson's expression softened, and she reached out to pat his hand. "I'm so sorry, Zack. I can only imagine how hard it must be for you." She paused, collecting her thoughts. "You know, I've been worried about you. I've seen the way your father treats you, and it's not right. But I also know that you can't just leave him, not yet." Zack nodded, feeling a lump form in his throat. He knew that Mrs. Patterson was right. He couldn't just leave his father, no matter how much he wanted to. But it was nice to know that someone cared, someone who wanted to help him. As they cleaned up the kitchen, Mrs. Patterson asked Zack if he wanted to stay for a while, to rest and relax. Zack agreed, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her. He knew that he could always count on Mrs. Patterson, no matter what. As he settled into the couch, Zack felt a sense of peace wash over him. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he was home. He closed his eyes, letting the warmth and comfort of Mrs. Patterson's home envelop him. Mrs. Patterson sat down beside him, watching as he drifted off to sleep. She smiled, feeling a sense of sadness and frustration. She wished she could do more to help Zack, to take him away from the abuse and neglect he suffered at home. But for now, she would just have to be a haven for him, a place of refuge where he could feel safe and loved. As Zack slept, Mrs. Patterson made a silent vow to herself. She would do everything in her power to help Zack, to support him and protect him. She would be his rock, his safe haven, until he was strong enough to stand on his own. And as she looked at Zack's peaceful face, Mrs. Patterson knew that she would do whatever it took to help him heal, to help him find happiness and peace in a world that had been cruel to him.