Heather led us to Tony’s room. The door was open. Tony’s small suitcase was on the bed, along with plastic bags holding the sum of his earthly possessions. One of the staff members was in the midst of tying Tony’s shoes for him.
Tony was crying.
“He’s upset,” the staff member said to me when I came into the room.
“I’m sure he is,” I said.
She stood back, and I crouched down in front of Tony. He was hugging his arms to his chest and looked miserable. I waved my hand, tried to get his attention. When that didn’t work, I gently shook his knee. His eyes flew open, and he glared at me.
You! No!
Hi T-o-n-y.
No!
How are you today?
You! You! I speak…
I smiled, waited for him to calm down.
Are you scared? I asked.
Scared, mister.
I know you are, but everything is going to be fine. I pr
