CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY SIX – YOUTH IN NEED OF HELP

Karina settled into her favorite shaded spot in the park, rolling out her yoga mat on the lush grass. The morning dew still glistened on the blades, offering a refreshing earthy scent. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, savoring the crisp spring air. Loosening the ties of her lightweight jacket, Karina moved through her opening sun salutations, allowing the familiar asanas to bring a sense of grounding and presence. Her mind cleared of the swirling thoughts and minor stresses of day-to-day life as she moved with controlled breaths between each pose. After her warmup, Karina flowed into a series of standing postures, relishing the delicious burn in her muscles as she held the warrior sequences. A thin sheen of exertion glistened on her skin as she moved, but she welcomed the tingling aliveness coursing through her body. So deeply immersed in her practice was she that Karina failed to notice the small group approaching until a polite cough sounded from nearby. She startled, bli