Rachel saw a small child who appeared to be lost while she was waiting for her companion Mia at the metro station. She soon discovered there was more to his predicament than first appeared when she went up to him.
I kept checking my phone while standing on the metro station platform. Even though my buddy Mia was always late, she was really being tardy today. We were going to a secondhand store to get clothes for a party that was approaching.
I searched my surroundings, trying to kill time, and saw a small youngster.
Sitting on a seat by himself, he couldn’t have been more than seven or eight years old. His hands were gripping a shabby plush rabbit, and his eyes were huge.
Though I’ve never considered myself to be maternal, there was something about him that touched me deeply.
I stepped up and said, “Hey there.” “Are you disoriented? Are you holding out for someone?
With a mix of terror and hope in his eyes, the youngster raised his gaze to me.
“Where are my parents?” he muttered. “I’m just sitting here because I have no idea where to go.”
My thoughts were with him.
Do you want my assistance in locating them? We might approach the police and request assistance.
The boy’s terrified eyes grew wider.
“No! Don’t go to the cops, please! He cried out, looking clearly nervous.
I took a seat next to him and tried to calm him down.
“Why not?” I made a gentle inquiry. “They are able to assist us.”
“Because my parents are being sought after by the police,” he somberly stated. They occasionally have to steal food in order to feed me. That’s why the cops are pursuing them. We simply need assistance; we’re not evil people.
Unsure of how to handle the delicate situation, I paused. I could see why parents would breach the law in order to feed their kids.
I firmly responded, “Okay.” “No law enforcement. However, let’s try to locate them. Where may they be located?
The youngster averted his gaze, as if deep in contemplation.
He mentioned that occasionally they visit the park. Is it possible for us to get there? Perhaps they are present?
Naturally, I answered. “By the way, what is your name?”
He grinned.
Tommy introduced himself. “And you?”
“Hi Tommy, I’m Rachel. It’s good to meet you. Come on, let’s go on.
Tommy clung to my hand and his bunny as we strolled to the local park. His eyes brightened at the sight of a popcorn seller as we strolled.
“Do you want some?” I sensed his enthusiasm and inquired.
He hopped from foot to foot, saying, “Yes, please!”
I purchased a bag of popcorn for him.
I said, “Here you go, sweetheart.”
We most likely appeared to be a young mother on an adventure with her son. I questioned if I fit in with this. I’d never given having kids any thought.
My mother would say, “Rachel, you should think about it.” “Just curious about your position on the idea.”
“Yes, Mother,” I would answer. “It’s not against it; it’s just not a priority for me right now as I work through my issues.”
“Okay,” Mom would reply. “But it’s wise to consider it.”
I pondered over her reaction upon witnessing me with Tommy.
Tommy happily bit into his popcorn. His parents were nowhere to be found as we strolled through the park.
Tommy murmured, his face lowering as tears started to spring up, “They’re not here.”
What other places do they go? I questioned, clinging to hope.
He mentioned that occasionally they visit the mall to get food leftovers.
I led him back to the subway and said, “Okay, let’s try the mall.”
“Are you certain?” Tommy queried.
His eyes grew wide upon seeing the arcade in the mall.
He said, “Wow.” “I have never previously seen those. What do they represent?
I couldn’t help but give him some tokens. With a broad smile, he raced off to play.
I was happy and sad at the same time when I watched him.
I looked at my phone to see whether Mia had responded while Tommy was playing. I was approached by two policemen.
“Pardon me, ma’am,” one said. “Is that young lad with you?”
“Yes,” I said with a sinking heart. “Why are you asking? We’re trying to find his parents.
The second officer whispered softly, “This boy ran away from his foster family this morning.” “We must return him to us.”
Tommy approached after noticing the cops.
“Tommy, is this true?” His eyes were full of tears as I asked, my heart exploding.
With tears running down his face, he nodded.
He wailed, “I just wanted a fun day, Rachel.” “Just as I did with my biological parents. They perished in a vehicle crash.
I responded, my voice stifled with sorrow, “Oh, Tommy.” “I recognize that, yet you are unable to flee. It’s not secure.
A policeman tenderly grasped Tommy’s hand.
“You’re okay, son,” the father reassured him. “We’ll safely transport you home.”
After nodding, Tommy turned to face me again.
“Rachel, will you come see me again?”
“Obviously!” I gave him my word. “If it’s okay with your parents, I’ll come see you.”
I also did. Every week, I went to see him. We visited restaurants, went for walks, and then returned to the mall and park. For Tommy, every journey was an experience and a reminder of the happiness that children can provide.
One day, Louise, Tommy’s foster mother, said, “Hello, Rachel.”
“Hello,” I said, turning to face Tommy. “Is he present here?”
“Yes,” she grinned and said. Since the morning, he has been anticipating your arrival. Were the two of you planning to visit that new ice cream shop?
Indeed! I stated. “I also brought cake,”
Louise grinned. “I’m happy you feel that way about him. But you know, he’s not being ignored.
“Obviously not!” I let out a cry. “I just love him,” I said.
Her grin expanded.
“All right,” she murmured. “I’m relieved to learn that.”
Tommy and I got closer over time. We started spending Sundays together.
One day, as we were eating ice cream at the park, he remarked, “Thank you, Rachel.” “For all the things.”
“No, Tommy, thank you,” I grinned in response. “You don’t realize how much kindness you’ve taught me.”
Our lives were permanently impacted by the lovely relationship that grew out of what had first been a random encounter.
How would you have responded in the situation?