Chapter 5

He looked around the room at his few possessions, seemed nervous, hesitant.

We want you to come for a visit. If you don’t like it, we’ll bring you back right away. Okay? We want to get to know you. Please give us a chance.

I could see an inner struggle going on inside those blue eyes, part of him wanting to trust, another part fearful, suspicious, afraid.

Do you want me to help you pack some things?I asked. We need a few clothes, your toothbrush, stuff like that. You can take your teddy too.

He looked up at me, his eyes welling with tears.

What is it?I asked.

Scared, mister.

Don’t be scared, honey. Teddy will be with you, and me and J-a-c-k will take care of you.

Scared, mister.

It will be all right. I promise, T-o-n-y. Do you believe me?

He stared at me for a long time, biting his lip, twisting his hands together.

Almost imperceptibly, he nodded.4: Rent a Uterus