Monday, 27th March
I came home from the office in a bright mood; my manager had let me off early for the week and hinted at a bonus of a few pounds for the project wed just wrapped. I bounded up the stairs to flat4, ready to punch in the familiar code on the intercom, when a soft whimper caught my ear. I frownedwhy would a cry break through such a fine day?
I glanced around the lobby, saw nothing, and reached for the door. The sobbing grew louder.
Little one, where are you? I called, halflaughing at my own impatience.
A tiny voice answered, Here.
I stepped out onto the cobbled pavement and spotted a boy about five, sitting on the curb. He wore a thin windbreaker, patched-up trousers, and his sneakers were scuffed and muddy. Tears streamed down his cheeks, leaving dark streaks on his cheeks.
My goodness, who are you? Whats wrong? I asked, kneeling beside him.
He sniffed, Im Charlie, he whispered, I want to go home.
Do you live here? I tried to work out which resident might be his relative.
I dont know, he replied, his pronunciation oddly precise for a child his age. Im lost. I cant find my house.
My heart tightened. I decided the boy needed a warm place first, then I could sort out the rest. I held out my hand.
Come with me, love. Ill make you a cuppa and a bite, alright?
He clutched my hand trustingly, his little nose tugging as he followed. I hadnt a clue what would come of it, but a protective instinct took overfeed, warm, protectjust because he was a child.
Inside my flat I asked, Would you like some soup? Ive got a pot of chicken stew on the stove.
He nodded eagerly. As he ladled the broth, it was clear he wasnt picky; he took everything without complaint. I thought of my niece, Lily, who always whines about food, and felt a pang of pity for Charlie, who probably only dreamed of a proper lunch.
Just then my phone buzzed. It was Tom, the guy Ive been seeing.
Hey, what are you up to? he asked.
Feeding a stray kid I found outside, I replied.
A kid? What kid?
Charlie. Hes about five.
Where did he come from?
I found him by the entrance.
Why bring him home?
Because he was shivering. Hes cold.
How old is he?
Four, actually, if you ask him.
He laughed, Give the lad back to his family, then.
I cant locate his mum.
Call the police. You cant just keep him.
Police? Right, Ill take him there and you can come over later.
I sighed, Fine. Lets look for his mother, Charlie.
We walked to the nearest police station on High Street. A young constable, Ben, who seemed about my age, greeted us. He asked what had happened, and I gave a quick rundown. He radioed someone and then told us to wait.
Soon a uniformed female officer arrived, led us into a small office, and took notes. She thanked me for bringing Charlie in.
Youre free to go, she said.
What about Charlie? I asked, uneasy.
Hell stay with us for the time being. Well need his statement later. She smiled at the boy, who nodded enthusiastically. Relieved, I said goodbye.
Outside, Tom was waiting at the café door, his expression a mix of irritation and fatigue as I approached.
Finally! Ive been waiting forever, he muttered.
I told him about the helpful officer, She was really kind. I felt comfortable leaving Charlie with her.
He scoffed, If youd taken him straight to the police, we could have gone to the cinema tonight.
I shrugged, He was so vulnerable, I couldnt just hand him over. You know how tough it is to find empathy in a uniform.
He waved his hand dismissively. The evening with Tom was pleasant enough, but I couldnt shake thoughts of Charlie. Did he have family? Should I keep looking?
The next Friday, as I was returning from work, I saw Charlie again at my buildings entrance.
Youre back? I asked, surprised.
I came to you. Got any stew? he asked.
No stew today, but Ill find something. Pasta?
Perfect! he beamed, clearly hungry.
While feeding him, I coaxed more details. He told me that on Friday night, after the police station, his mother had come to collect him. She scolded him harshly, even slapped him, and barred him from going out. She left early this morning. At home only her brother, Uncle Sam, remained. Charlie feared him, so he stayed hidden while Sam snored. When Sam finally dozed off, Charlie slipped out and headed for me.
My heart ached. After he ate, he said, Ill go home, or mum will punish me again. She never hurt me before. Maybe Ill need a new mum soon.
I replied softly, Let me walk you home, then.
We reached his block, and a woman stepped out, looking exhausted.
Charlie! Where have you been? she demanded. Did you run off again?
Mom punished me, he whispered. I ran away.
Hungry? she asked.
No, Katie fed me.
Then get home quickly before Mom realizes.
He sprinted away, waving, Bye, Katie!
I turned to the woman. Does your mother drink?
She sighed, Worse. Shes a drug user now. In a year shes gone from a pretty young lady to a wreck.
Thats no place for a child, I said.
She nodded, I cant call social services; my conscience wont let me. Vicky was always a good girl, but after her husband left, she fell into the hands of that devil He destroyed her life.
I understood without her finishing. She couldnt bring him into care, yet she was feeding him when she could. I asked for her number, promising to keep an eye.
Later that night Tom called. My voice was low; he asked what was wrong.
Ive been looking after Charlie again, I admitted.
You should have handed him to care, Tom replied bluntly.
Then I wont get involved with this family, I said, feeling the weight of the decision.
The next day I called my sister Sarah. Were close, and I always share my thoughts with her. She listened and said, I think Charlie is a lovely lad. You love kids, dont you? Maybe this is why he appeared.
What about Tom? I asked.
Forget Tom, she said, Hes been using you for two years, never giving a clear picture of where this is heading.
I told her I felt like I didnt want to talk to Tom anymore. She agreed, Youve done the right thing. Hes not worth your time.
That evening, the neighbour called: Charlies in hospital with a concussion!
His mother never returned home; police were searching for her. The stepfather, drunk on narcotics, demanded a report from the boy about his mothers whereabouts. Charlie couldnt escape. Fortunately the neighbour heard his cries, called the police, and an ambulance took him in.
I thought, I will never leave him again.
I visited him the same night. The officer Ben was there, along with a socialcare officer named Hannah. They recognised me from the station. They explained the adoption process, noting it would only be possible if his mothers parental rights were revokedno simple task.
Hannah said, There are other routes, but theyre handled by social services.
She seemed genuinely caring, and later she offered to escort me home. I surprised myself and said, Would you like a cup of tea? She accepted, and over tea she listened to my worries about Charlies future, then said, Hes bright, lively. Id take him in myself if I could.
She took my number, promising to keep me posted. The next morning, as I was about to start work, my phone rang.
Hello, this is the office. Weve found Victoria. She died last night from an overdose, the voice said.
How do I tell Charlie? I stammered.
Dont rush it. He hasnt asked yet. He seems to sense something.
Later, Tom sent a message: I hope you realise I was right. Choose: me or your dirty streetkid! Rage boiled inside me. I wanted to fire off a angry reply, but then Hannah called again, Would you like to visit Charlie together?
Yes, please, I answered, adding, Lets be on firstname terms, it feels easier.
I never answered Tom that night.
Helping Charlie drew Hannah and me closer, while Tom grew increasingly impatient. He finally called a week later; I took the call, my tone calm, We need to talk in person. Its over, Tom. I dont love you any more. Im sorry.
He was stunned. I hung up, walked out, and didnt look back. Our twoyear relationship ended that day.
A month later, I secured a care order for Charlie.
Congratulations, Hannah said.
Thank you. I couldnt have done it without you, I replied.
She laughed, It wasnt heroic. I simply fell for the lad the moment I met him.
He fell for you too, I muttered, smiling shyly.
A few months later, with Charlies encouragement, Hannah proposed to me.
Yay! shouted little Charlie. Now we have a new mum and dad! Lets get a brother soon!
A year later, everything settled. Charlie thrived, Hannah and I built a happy home, and the shadows of his past faded.
Looking back, I realise that stepping in for a frightened child taught me more about courage and compassion than any office achievement ever could. The real lesson: when you see someone in need, dont wait for someone else to actbe the one who does.
