The Lost Boy

didn’t mean to cause any trouble!”
    Mother’s radar of hate intensified. I tried to remain standing, but my knees began to buckle.
    “So be it, ” the judge quickly announced. “It is the recommendation of this court that the minor, David James Pelzer, shall become a ward of the court and remain so until his 18th birthday. This case is closed!” the judge quickly concluded, as he slammed his gavel on a piece of wood.
    I felt paralysed. I wasn’t sure what had just happened. Ms Gold sprang up and hugged me so tightly that I thought she’d crush my ribs. All I could see was a forest of blond strands, and I gagged as I almost swallowed clumps of Ms Gold’s hair. After a few moments, Ms Gold regained her composure. I wiped my tears and my runny nose. I looked up at the bench. The judge smiled at me. I returned the gesture. Then, for a brief moment, I thought His Honor winked at me.
    I felt Mother’s radar of hate flicker, then turn off.
    Ms Gold held my shoulders. “David, I’m so proud of you!” Before she could say anything else, I whimpered, “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to lie to you the other day. I’m sorry I made you cry. Can you ever forgive me? I just wanted to …”
    Ms Gold parted my hair from my eyes. “Shh. It’s all right. I knew what you were doing. But now, your mother wants to …”
    “No!” I cried. “She’ll take me away!”
    “She only wants to say good-bye, ” Ms Gold assured me.
    As Ms Gold and I slowly made our way out of the courtroom, I could see ahead of us that Mother was crying, too. Ms Gold nudged me forward. I hesitated until I felt sure that Ms Gold would stay nearby. The closer I walked to Mother, the more I cried. Part of me didn’t want to leave her. Mother’s arms opened wide. I ran into them. Mother hugged me as if I were a baby. Her feelings were sincere.
    Mother let go, took my hand and led me to her car. I felt no fear. At the station wagon Mother loaded me up with new clothes and lots of toys. I was astounded. My mouth hung open as Mother continued to fill my arms.
    My voice cracked as I said good-bye to my brothers, who shook their heads in response. I felt like a traitor, and I thought they hated me for exposing the family secret.
    “I’m going to miss you, ” Mother cried.
    Before I could think, I replied, “I’ll miss you, too.”
    As happy as I was for the judge’s decision, I became filled with sadness. I felt torn between my freedom and being separated from Mother and the family. Everything was too good to be true – my freedom, the new clothes, the toys. But the thing I cherished most was the warmth of Mother’s hug.
    “I’m so sorry about everything, ” I sobbed. “I really am. I didn’t mean to tell.”
    “It’s not your …” Mother began. Her eyes changed. “It’s all right.” Mother’s voice became firm. “Now listen to me. You have another chance. This is a new beginning for you. I want you to be a good boy.”
    “I will, ” I said, as I wiped away my tears.
    “No!” she stated in a cold voice. “I mean it! You have got to be a good boy! A better boy!”
    I looked into her swollen eyes. I felt that Mother wanted the best for me. I realized that before Mother went into the courtroom, she had already predicted the outcome.
    “I’ll be good. I’ll try real hard, ” I said, as I squared my shoulders like I did back in the basement years ago. “I’ll make you proud of me. I’ll try my best to make you proud.”
    “That’s not important, ” Mother stated. Before she sent me away, she gave me a final hug. “Have a happy life.”
    I turned away sniffling. I didn’t look back. I thought about what Mother had last said.
Have a happy life.
I felt as if she were giving me away. I almost collapsed when I reached Ms Gold, who helped me load her car with my prized possessions. We stood together as Mother drove off. I waved to everyone, but only Mother returned my gesture. Her window was rolled up, but I watched Mother’s lips as she repeated, “Have a happy life.”
    “How about an ice cream?” Ms Gold asked, breaking the tension.
    I stood up straight and smiled. “Yes, ma’am!”
    Pam gently took my hand, wrapping her long fingers around mine, and led me to the cafeteria. We strolled past the other cars and a few scattered trees. I caught a whiff of the trees’ scent. Then I stopped to gaze at the sun. I stood still for a moment, taking in my surroundings. A soft wind blew through my hair. I didn’t