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

That’s the kind of lonely that makes you feel see-through.

Then Jack moved in next door.

He was 12.

Too big for his age in that lanky way, hat always backward, skateboard glued to his hand.

I’d see him out front in the evenings. Up and down the sidewalk. Practicing tricks.

Falling. Getting back up.

Other kids would get called in.

“Dinner!” Or “Homework!”

Doors opened. Porches lit up.

No one ever called for Jack.

His house stayed dark most nights.

No car in the driveway. No lights in the windows.

At first, I told myself I wasn’t being nosy. Just observant.

That lie worked until the night I heard him cry.

Continue reading…