I carefully walked outside, and the papers I had were squeezing my chest. The sun’s rays in the late afternoon were painting the street in warm shades. My body, however, still rang with nerves. I was still anxious.
“Amelia,” I gently yelled so I wouldn’t ruin the moment.
She turned with her bright eyes and flushed cheeks. “Mom! Look, I made a new friend!”
The boy shyly smiled, revealing a turn to the side. His bouncy dark curls and the faint movement to the side were familiar amidst a world that I couldn’t quite place.
He appeared tidy, and his clothing seemed to be worn but well-maintained, even if they were handed down.
But his gaze was sharp, steady, and observant.
I crouched down beside them and put on a calm smile to greet them. “Hello there. And what’s your name?”
Before he
