Kevin was only six, but he already knew the crushing weight of loneliness.
After his mother died in an accident, he was sent to an orphanage. It was a cold, loveless place.
Every night, he dreamed of his mother rescuing him. But every morning, he woke up to the cruel reality of the dormitory.
The other boys were merciless.
“Face it, Kevin,” a roommate sneered. “Your mom is dead. She’s never coming back.”
They called him a crybaby. They told him no one would ever want to adopt him.
I can’t stay here, Kevin thought, tears stinging his eyes. I have to find her.
One afternoon, the orphans were allowed a rare walk in a nearby park.
While the supervisors were distracted, Kevin saw his chance.
He didn’t run to the playground. He didn’t run to the ice cream stand.
He sprinted toward the city cemetery.
His lungs burned, but he didn’t stop until he found the familiar headstone. He collapsed against the cold granite.
“I miss you so much, Mom,” he sobbed, his voice cracking. “Please… just take me with you. There’s nothing for me here.”
He closed his eyes, waiting for the end.
That’s when he felt it.
A heavy, warm hand landed on his shoulder.
