My Little Neighbor Didn’t Let Anyone Into His Home Until a Police Officer Arrived and Stepped Inside

Then, in a rush, “Or nine days.”

My hand flew to my mouth.

“Alone?” I said. “You’ve been here alone that long?”

Jack’s back went stiff.

“I’m fine,” he said. “I go to school.

I make food. Mom sends money when she can. She had to help my grandparents.

There wasn’t room for me to go. She said I’d be okay.”

He sounded like he was repeating something, not believing it.

“I’m almost 13,” he added, like that turned him into an adult.

Murray’s voice softened.

“You’re still a kid,” he said. “You shouldn’t be handling this by yourself.”

Jack’s eyes filled.

“Please don’t take me away,” he whispered.

“I don’t want to go live with strangers. I’m doing fine. Just… don’t get my mom in trouble.

Please.”

He turned to me like I had any power.

“Tell him,” he begged. “Tell him I’m okay, Mrs. Doyle.”

I walked closer, knees complaining.

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