Kevin’s fears were realized when Dad leaped from his chair and strode to the door.
“I’m going out, Kevin. There are important things I need to do today. See you later.”
This couldn’t be happening!
Kevin ran after Dad and followed him out to the street. It might just be a coincidence that Dad left after reading those papers…maybe he suddenly remembered they needed milk and was headed to the store.
But Dad went past the store without even looking at it. Kevin followed him for several blocks before Dad entered a fancy-looking building.
Kevin stopped outside and read the sign at the entrance.
It was a lawyer’s office!
Kevin angrily wiped away tears as he headed back to the apartment. Granny was right; Dad loved money more than him. He didn’t want to cry about it—Dad didn’t deserve his tears—but it hurt!
Kevin knocked on the neighbor’s door when he got back to the apartment building.
It wasn’t long before she opened the door.
“Hi Miss Tina,” Kevin said. “Can I use your phone?”
An hour later, Kevin walked up to Denise and Miguel’s front door and rang the bell.
“Kevin?” Denise frowned worriedly as she opened the door. “We didn’t expect you back for another two days.
Is everything okay?”
Kevin sniffed. “Uh…yeah. I just…Dad isn’t…”
“Hey…” Denise crouched down in front of him and put her hands on his shoulders.
“It’s okay…whatever happened, whatever you’re feeling, you can talk to me about it, and I’ll do whatever I can to help. I know we’re still getting to know each other, but I got your back, Kevin.”
Kevin hung his head. “Thanks, Denise.
You and Miguel have been so kind to me, and all I’ve done is run away. I’m sorry.”
“You’ve been going through a tough time, Kevin.” Denise smiled a little. “How about some cookies and a glass of milk?
Then we can talk about what’s bothering you, if you want.”
Kevin smiled at Denise. He hadn’t felt loved like this since Mom died. In his heart, he thanked Granny for asking such nice people to look after him.
