The Lost Boy

the numbers of a clock radio flip over every time a minute passed. Before I knew it, the sliding door opened.
    Ms Gold smiled at me before giving me a hug. “I really think you’re going to like it here, ” she said. “There’s a play park nearby, and you’ll have lots of other foster children to play with. I’ll check in on you as soon as I can, so be extra good.”
    I gave Ms Gold another quick hug, thinking I’d see her in a few days, and waved good-bye to her from the upstairs window. Before Ms Gold drove down the street, she waved a final good-bye, then blew me a kiss. I stared through the window, not knowing what to do next.
    “Well, ” Mrs Catanze asked, “would you like to see your room?”
    My eyes lit up as she took my hand. “Yes, ma’am.”
    “Remember what I told you, ” Lilian warned.
    I nodded my head. “I’m sorry. I forget things sometimes.”
    Mrs Catanze led me into the first room down the hall. After putting my clothes away I joined her on the twin-sized bed. “I need to explain a few things to you – the home rules. You are responsible for keeping your room clean and helping out with the chores. You do not enter someone else’s room without their permission first. There is no lying or stealing in this home. If you want to go somewhere, you first ask me and tell me where and how long you’ll be away …”
    “You mean I get to go anywhere I want to?” I asked, amazed that I suddenly had all of this unexpected freedom.
    “Within reason, of course, ” Lilian responded. “This home is not a prison. As long as you act responsible, you’ll be treated as such. Do I make myself clear?”
    “Yes, Mrs Catanze, ” I said in a soft, slow voice, still feeling awkward calling her Mom.
    Mrs Catanze patted my leg before leaving the room and closing the door. I leaned back on the bed, smelling the fresh-scented pillowcase. I tried to focus on the sounds of cars rushing up and down the steep street, until I finally gave in to sleep. As my mind began to drift off, I began to feel safe and secure in my new setting.
    Sometime later I awoke to the sounds of voices, coming from the kitchen. After I cleared my eyes, I walked out of the bedroom and into the kitchen.
    “Is this him?” someone with long blond hair chided. “This ain’t no kid. He’s a runt.”
    Lilian leaned over and smacked the tall, blond teenager in the arm. “Larry, now watch your mouth! David, please excuse him. This, ” she said, still staring at Larry, “is Larry Junior. You’ll meet Big Larry in a few minutes.”
    “C’mon Larry, he’s small, but kinda cute. Hi, I’m Connie. And I don’t want you going through my things in my room. You got that?” As Connie leaned over, I nearly choked on her perfume. She had shiny black hair and long eyelashes, and wore a minidress. I couldn’t help myself as I stared up at her legs. Connie stepped back, and her face turned red. “Mom, he’s a little pervert!”
    I turned to Mrs Catanze. “What’s a ‘pree-vert’?”
    Lilian laughed. “Someone who shouldn’t look up young ladies’ dresses!”
    I didn’t understand. I wanted to know what it meant. I began to ask the same question when Mrs Catanze cut me off. “And this is Big Larry.”
    I looked as far up as I could, to see a huge man with dark curly hair and black-framed glasses. He had a kind, gentle face. Big Larry smiled as he shook my hand. “Mom, ” he said, “I’m gonna go to the show tonight. Mind if I take Dave with me?”
    Lilian smiled. “I don’t mind, but you make sure you take care of him.”
    “Yeah, ” Larry Jr chimed, “make sure he doesn’t get scared or see anything that’s … nasty!”
    About an hour later Big Larry and I began our journey to the movie theater. I could tell that he was childlike and shy. I liked him immediately. As we walked up and down the endless streets of Daly City, we both talked about things of no importance. Somehow we each knew not to ask why the other was in foster care. It was a sort of code that was explained to me while I stayed in Aunt Mary’s home. The closer we strolled to the theater, the more Big Larry became my friend.
    Larry claimed to have seen the movie
Live and Let Die
a dozen times, so I couldn’t understand why he so badly wanted to see it again. But after the first 10 minutes of the show, I, too, sat paralysed. I became mesmerized by the action scenes and the fast-paced music that carried the film. After years of living in the dark,