Kate was heading home from work in a great mood her boss let her off early the day before and promised a bonus. She bounced up the steps to her flat, fumbled with the intercom and was about to dial the usual numbers when a whimpering childs cry caught her ear. Kate frowned. Whats all this gloom on such a lovely day? she muttered, turning around. No one was in sight, so she reached for the frontdoor handle, but the crying only grew louder.
Where are you, little one? Kate asked, halfexasperated.
Im here, came a tiny voice.
She stepped out onto the cobbled pavement and saw a boy, about five, sitting on the sidewalk. He looked miserable a thin jacket, ripped dirty shorts, sneakers that had seen better days, and tears streaking his face. Kates heart went straight to her throat.
Whats your name? Why are you crying? she asked.
Im Tommy, the boy sniffed, I want to go home.
Do you live around here? Kate tried to work out who in her block might be his relative.
I dont know. I cant find my house, Im lost, he answered, his pronunciation oddly precise.
Seeing how shivering he was, Kate decided to get him somewhere warm first. She offered a hand.
Come with me. How about a cuppa and something to eat?
Tommy clutched her hand trustingly and shuffled after her, his little nose wiggling. At that moment Kate didnt know what shed do with him later she just felt that motherly urge to help a kid in need.
Ive got a pot of stew. Want some? she said as she opened the flat. Tommy nodded eagerly.
He ladled the broth carefully; it was clear he wasnt a picky eater. It reminded Kate of her cheeky niece, Lily, and she sighed, thinking Tommy probably only dreamed of meals like Lilys mom makes every night.
She realised no one was looking for the boy. What should I do? she wondered, just then her phone buzzed. It was Mark, the guy shed been seeing.
Hey, what are you up to?
Feeding a little guy I found at the lift.
Who? Which little guy?
The boy Tommy.
Where did he come from?
I found him outside the building.
Why bring him inside?
Hes freezing.
How old is he?
Not more than five.
Tommy, listening nearby, held up his fingers four.
Actually, hes four, Kate corrected, smiling.
Give the child back to his family.
I dont know where they are.
Call the police.
The police?
Yeah, you cant just keep feeding a stranger. There are people trained for this. Take him to them, then come over to me.
Kate sighed, a little disappointed, but said, Alright, Tommy, lets find your mum.
They walked to the nearest police station. The officer on duty was a young bloke, about Kates age, which gave her a bit of hope younger officers often seem more compassionate. He listened patiently as Kate explained how shed found Tommy. He made a quick call, then told her to wait.
A uniformed officer soon appeared, ushered Kate and Tommy into a small office, asked a few more questions and then said, Youre free to go.
And Tommy?
Hell stay with us for now. We need his statement.
Seeing the boy in safe hands eased Kates nerves. Thanks. Bye, Tommy.
Bye! the little lad waved.
Kate left the station and headed to the café where Mark was waiting. He looked a bit annoyed when she arrived, as if shed been late again.
You wont believe it theres a lovely officer at the station. I left the boy with her, Kate said.
If youd dropped him off straight away, we couldve gone to the movies, Mark teased, but Kate didnt take it to heart.
Dont be like that! He was so vulnerable. I couldnt just hand him over to strangers. You know theyre not always that empathetic.
Mark waved it off. Their evening went on, but Kate couldnt shake the image of Tommy. She kept wondering whether his family would ever be found or if hed be better off somewhere else. Mark didnt notice her distraction.
It was Friday. The following Monday, as Kate was coming home, she saw Tommy again by her building.
You back again? she asked.
I came to you. Got any soup?
No soup, but Ill find you something. Pasta?
Yeah! he beamed, clearly famished.
She fed him again, trying to coax any details about his parents. He finally opened up. On Friday night, after being released from the station, his mother had shown up to file a missingperson report. She then scolded him, gave him a harsh spanking and told him not to go outside. She left early this morning. Only her brother, Sam, was at home Tommy was terrified of him, so he kept out of sight. Sam was fast asleep, snoring loudly. When Sam finally dozed off, Tommy slipped on his thin jacket and came to Kate.
Kates heart ached. After eating, Tommy sighed, Im going home or else my mum will punish me again. She never used to be that cruel. I think Ill have to look for a new mum soon.
Alright, Kate said softly. Let me walk you.
She wanted to know where he lived. Tommy agreed. His house wasnt far. As Kate reached his block, a woman stepped out and addressed Tommy.
Hey! Didnt see you around the courtyard today. Not out for a walk?
Mum told me to stay in. I slipped out.
Hungry?
No, Kate fed me.
Then hurry home before your mum notices.
Im off. Bye, Kate! he shouted, darting into the lift.
Kate turned to the woman.
Does his mother drink?
Worse, the woman sighed. Shes a drug user. It started not long ago; in a year she went from a pretty girl to a wreck.
Thats no place for a child!
I cant call social services, my conscience wont let me. Vicky was always a good girl. I was close to her mum. They were neighbours, she died before Vicky had Tommy. Vickys marriage fell apart, she remarried a scumbag who ruined her life.
Shes in danger, you cant leave him here.
Yes, I try to feed him when I can, but Vickys husband.
The womans words hung heavy. Kate understood why she hadnt called the agency. Still, she couldnt just walk away. She asked for the womans number and left with a heavy feeling.
That evening Mark called. Hearing her shaky voice, he asked what was wrong. She told him Vicky was again looking after Tommy.
You should have taken the boy to care, Mark said after listening.
I dont know what to do.
Then dont get involved with that family. Stop clinging to the kid.
I cant help it.
Kate, youre making a mistake.
She fell silent, picturing herself in a courtroom fighting for adoption. Its madness, she thought, yet the image of a happy Tommy in her home lingered.
Lets chat tomorrow, she said to Mark.
Are you mad, Kate?
No, just a headache. Im going to sleep, she replied, lying to him for the first time.
She hung up, then called her sister Helen. They were close, and Kate always confided in her. After a quick catchup, Kate spilled the whole story.
I actually liked Tommy from the start. You know I adore kids. Id love to meet him.
Hes a good lad! Helen encouraged.
Do what feels right. He didnt appear by accident. How long have you been seeing Mark?
What does that have to do with anything?
Hes been taking up a lot of your time for two years now, yet you never really know where you stand.
I feel like I dont want anything to do with him anymore, Kate admitted.
Maybe its just a feeling?
Im not sure
The conversation left Kate thinking all night. Helen was right the boy couldnt stay in those conditions. Kate decided to take a day off work and talk to Tommys neighbour again.
The next morning the neighbour called with terrible news:
Tommys in hospital with a concussion!
Later Kate learned his mother hadnt returned home; police were looking for her. His stepdad, drunk on drugs, was demanding to know where his mother was. Tommy couldnt escape. The neighbour heard his cries, called the police, and they took him to the station, then an ambulance rushed him to the hospital.
Im never leaving him again! Kate vowed.
That same evening she visited the hospital. The officer whod helped her the first day was there, along with a young socialcare worker named Gerry. They recognized her, and the officer explained that adoption was only possible if the mother lost her rights a long, messy process.
What other options? Kate asked.
The care system can give you more details. Its possible, though, Gerry said gently, his eyes kind.
Seeing his sympathy, Kate offered, Would you like a tea? which surprised both of them, but Gerry agreed. Over tea he listened to her worries about Tommys future and said, Hes a bright, sweet kid. Id take him myself if I could. He took her number, promising to keep her posted on any news about his mother.
The next morning a call came:
Hello, Kate. Weve found Victoria. She died last night from an overdose.
How do I tell Tommy? Kate whispered, tears welling.
Dont rush. He hasnt asked yet. He seems to sense it.
All day Mark didnt call. Later that night, a message popped up: I hope you see I was right. Choose: me or your little ragtag kid!
Kate erupted with anger. She wanted to fire off a furious reply, but then Gerry called again: Kate, would you like to visit Tommy together today?
Absolutely, she answered, but can we be on a firstname basis? It feels odd otherwise.
She never replied to Mark that night. The whole ordeal with Tommy brought Kate and Gerry much closer, while Mark kept waiting, assuming shed just be moody. A week later he finally called; she picked up and suggested meeting in person.
My feelings have changed. I dont love you anymore. Im sorry, she said, voice steady.
Mark was stunned. Kate turned and walked away. He tried to call back, she hung up. Their twoyear romance ended there.
A month later Kate secured legal custody of Tommy.
Congratulations, Gerry said.
Thanks. I couldnt have done it without you.
No, thank you. It takes guts to love a child whose mother is a drug user.
I fell for Tommy the moment I saw him.
And I fell for you, Gerry admitted, blushing.
Weeks later, with Tommys encouragement, Gerry proposed to Kate.
Yay! shouted a happy little voice. Now I have a mum and a dad!
A year later Tommys wish came true, and everything turned out alright.
