Hey love, you wont believe the crazy turn my Friday took. I was heading home from work in a great moodmy boss let me off early for finishing a big project and even promised a bonus. I bounced up the stairs to my flat, ready to punch in the entry code, when I heard a little whimpering cry. I frowned; why would anyone be sad on such a lovely day? I looked around, saw nothing, grabbed my door handle again, and the wailing got louder.
Where are you, little one? I called out, trying not to sound scared.
Here, came a tiny voice.
I stepped out onto the pavement and spotted a fiveyearold boy sitting on the curb. He looked pitiful: a thin jacket, ripped muddy trousers, and a pair of wellworn sneakers. His cheeks were streaked with tears. My heart clenched.
Whats your name? Why are you crying? I asked.
Im Jack, he sniffed, I want to go home.
Do you live here? I tried to figure out which neighbour could be his family.
I dont know. Im lost, I cant find my house, he said, his pronunciation oddly perfect.
I decided the first thing was to get him somewhere warm. I reached out, Come on, lets go inside. Ill make you a cup of tea maybe?
He grabbed my hand and followed, his nose twitching as he hopped along. I hadnt even decided what to do with him yet, but a motherly instinct kicked infeed him, keep him safe, all that.
Ive got a pot of stew. Want some? I asked as I opened the flat. He nodded eagerly.
He ladled the broth without fuss; he wasnt a picky eater at all. It reminded me of my niece, Lucy, whos always demanding the fanciest meals. I thought, Jack probably only dreams of a proper dinner like the ones Lucys mum whips up every night.
I was still wondering what to do when my phone buzzed. It was Tom, the guy Ive been seeing.
Hey, what are you up to? he asked.
Feeding a little boy I found outside, I said.
A boy? Where did he come from?
Just found him by the entrance.
Why bring him into your flat?
Hes freezing, you know?
How old is he?
About five, maybe a little younger.
Jack, who was listening, held up his fingersfour. I laughed, Okay, four then.
Take the kid back to his family, Tom said.
I dont know where they are.
Let the police handle it. Youre not supposed to be feeding strangers.
Fine, lets go look for his mum, I sighed, and we set off for the nearest police station.
The officer on duty was a young bloke named James, about my age, which made me feel a bit hopefulyoung cops seem kinder, right? He listened as I explained how Id found Jack. He called someone, then told me to wait.
Soon a uniformed woman appeared and led us into a tiny office. She asked a few more questions, thanked me for looking after the boy, and said, Hell stay with us for now. Well need his statement later. Jack gave a bright nod, looking relieved to be in safe hands.
I left, feeling a mix of relief and a lingering ache. Outside the station, Tom was waiting by the coffee shop, looking a bit annoyed at my delay.
You know, theres a nice officer there. I felt good leaving Jack with her, I told him.
If youd taken him straight there, we couldve caught a film, he teased. I didnt take it to heart.
He was just so helpless. I couldnt hand him over to strangers right away, I replied.
He waved it off, and that was thatJacks little chapter for the night was closed.
But I couldnt shake him from my mind. I kept wondering about his family, whether theyd ever be found, or if hed be better off somewhere else. Tom didnt notice my worry, and the evening, though pleasant, left me with a sour aftertaste.
Monday rolled around and, as I was coming home, I saw Jack again at my buildings steps.
Youre back, I said, surprised.
I came to you. Got any soup? he asked.
No soup, but Ill find something. Want some spaghetti?
Sure! he beamed, clearly starving.
While we ate, I tried to get as much info as possible. Turns out, on Friday evening, after the police let him go, his mother showed up to report him missing. She scolded him harshly, even slapped him, and forbade him from leaving the house. This morning shed left, leaving only her brother Sam, whos a heavy drinker, at home. Jack was terrified of Sam, so hed slipped out while Sam was snoring and headed for me.
My heart ached. After he finished eating, Jack sighed, Im going back. Mom will punish me again. She never hurt me before, but I think Ill need a new mum soon.
Ill walk you, I said softly. He agreed, and we headed to his block. A woman stepped out as we approached.
Hey, Jack! Havent seen you around today. Did you go for a walk? she asked.
My mum sent me away. I sneaked out, he replied.
Hungry?
No, Kate fed me.
Then get home quick before she realizes.
On my way. Bye, Kate! He darted back into his building.
I turned to the woman. Does his mother drink?
Worse than that, she sighed. Shes a drug user. Shes turned from a pretty girl into a shell of herself in just a year.
Then you cant leave a child with her! I protested.
She shook her head. I cant call social services; my conscience wont let me. Vicky was a good person, but she died before Jack was born. Her husband left, and then she fell under that monsters spell. Hes ruined her life.
It sounds dangerous for Jack, I said, and she nodded, handing me her number.
I headed home with a heavy feeling. That evening Tom called. When he heard my voice, he asked what was wrong. I told him about Vicky and Jack. He said, You should have taken the boy to care. I replied, I didnt know what to do. He warned me to stay away from that family.
I fell silent, but in my mind I was already picturing a courtroom, adopting the little lad. Its madness, I muttered to myself, yet the image of Jack living happily with me wouldnt leave.
Lets chat tomorrow, I told Tom.
No, Im just tired, I said, lying for the first time.
Later I called my sister, Sarah. Were close, so I poured everything out. She smiled and said, I already like Jack from what youve told me. You love kids, you know that. Id meet him.
Hes wonderful! I agreed.
Do what feels right. He didnt appear for nothing. Hows Tom? she asked.
Whats Tom got to do with it? I snapped back.
You know what I mean, she said, chuckling. Hes been taking up a lot of your time.
I think I dont want him anymore, I admitted.
Maybe thats just a feeling, she suggested.
I spent the whole night turning the idea over. Sarah was rightleaving a child in that environment wasnt an option. I decided to take a day off work and go back to Jacks neighbour the next morning.
She called at dawn, panicked. Jacks in hospital with a concussion!
I raced over and learned that his mother never came back yesterday. Police were still looking for her. His stepdad, Sam, drunk on drugs, had been demanding Jacks whereabouts. Jack couldnt escape, but the neighbour heard his cries, called the police, and they rushed him to A&E. An ambulance took him away.
Im not going to let this happen again, I promised myself.
That same evening I visited the hospital. The same officer James and a socialcare worker named Claire were there. They recognized me and explained the situation. When I asked if anyone could adopt Jack, James said, Adoption is possible but only if the mothers rights are removed, which is a long process.
Are there other options? I pressed.
The care system can arrange something, but itll take time, Claire replied gently, looking at me with genuine concern.
Seeing their kindness made me feel a little hopeful. As we left, James offered to walk me home.
I suddenly thought, Would you like a cup of tea? and surprised myself, I asked. He laughed and accepted.
Over tea he listened to my worries about Jacks future. Hes a bright little thing. Id take him in myself if I could, he confessed.
He took my number and promised to keep me posted on any news about Jacks mother. The next morning, just as I was about to start work, my phone rang.
Hello, Kate. Weve found Vicky. She passed away last night from an overdose, the voice said.
My throat tightened. How do I tell Jack? I asked, feeling lost.
Well hold off for now. He hasnt asked about her yet. He seems to sense something, the officer advised.
All day Tom didnt call. Later that night, I got a harsh message from him: I hope you realise I was right. Choose: me or your little drifter! I was furious, ready to fire back, but then James called again: Kate, would you like to visit Jack together today?
Absolutely, I replied, but lets ditch the formalities, were on a firstname basis now.
I never answered Tom that night.
Spending time with Jack brought me and James closer, while Tom waited, thinking I was just being temperamental. A week later he finally called, and I answered, speaking calmly.
Some things need to be talked about in person. We need to end this. I dont love you anymore, I said.
He was stunned. I walked away without waiting for his reaction. He tried to call back, but I hung up. That was the end of our twoyear fling.
A month later I finally secured legal guardianship for Jack.
Congratulations, James said.
Thank you! I couldnt have done it without you, I replied.
Its my pleasure. Not everyone would step in for a kid of a drugaddicted mum, he said. I fell for him the moment I saw him.
I think I love him too, I admitted, smiling shyly.
A few months after that, with Jacks encouragement, James proposed.
Yay! shouted little BenJacks new nickname for James. Now Ive got a mum and a dad! Can we get a brother soon?
A year later everything felt right, and Jacks wish had come true. All ended well, love.
