Page 9 of Sick Little Devotion

One time, when I got to watch TV in my latchkey program, I saw a program about a dad taking his son fishing. It seemed like it would be real fun. I decided right then and there that’s what I would do when I had a dad.

Maybe this is it. My opportunity.

It makes me feel better as the cityscape gives way to big fancy houses, spread out in gardens. Then I wonder if I really like this. I’d rather be close to the basketball courts—even if you gotta run real fast past the homeless man who tries to poke us. I don’t like him very much.

“This is your new neighborhood,” Miss Parker says as we pull through some big black gates. “I bet they’re so excited to see you.”

“Maybe,” I mumble. I don’t know how I feel about these big houses. Someone could get lost, but hide and seek might be fun.

The car finally pulls up next to a two-story, red-brick house. All I can think about is how big the garage must be. There’re two big doors. That’s like enough space for four cars.

“Alright, let’s go, Aiden.” She climbs out and opens the back door for me. There are already people standing outside. They look fancy, just like the house they live in. I follow behind Miss Parker as I take in the three people.

The man is tall with dark hair, and he’s got this big smile on his face. He’s like the younger version of Mr. Rogers or something. I like him already. I bet he’ll take me fishing. The lady has light-brown hair and olive skin. She’s pretty. She’s also smiling, but it’s not as big as my new dad’s smile.

Lastly, I look at the little girl. She’s smaller than me. I bet I’m gonna be the big brother. Her long, chocolate-brown hair is braided down her back, but that’s not all that interesting. It’s her eyes. They’re so blue, and they sparkle in the sunlight. I like that. They match her father’s eyes, but hers are brighter. They remind me of the picture I saw of Florida’s ocean. Yes, that’s what they look like.

“This is Aiden.” Miss Parker touches my shoulder and urges me forward. “He’s really excited to be here.”

“I think he needs a bath.” My new sister wrinkles her nose.

Fear courses through my body. Do I stink?

“Sahara,” the man snaps at her. “Don’t be rude. He’s been at school playing all day.”

“But his shirt…”

“We have a whole room ready for you.” The man beams, reaching out to me. I go rigid. Why is he trying to touch me? He frowns but stops his movement, sensing my reaction. “Can I carry your bag for you, son?”

Son.

I blink a few times. “Okay.” I lift my bag for him to take, and he does.

“We’ll put this in your room.”

I nod, and Miss Parker urges me forward, but I can’t stop looking at Sara’s eyes. I know that’s not her name, but her big name is too, well, big. I like Sara, even if she’s not all that nice to me. Kyle at school says that his sister is mean, too, and so this must be normal.

I trot to catch up to her as she follows the grownups inside.

“I’m Aiden.”

“I know.”

“Why you gotta be so snarky, Sara?”

She whips her head so hard her braid slaps me in the face. “My name is Sahara not Sara.”

I shrug. “I like Sara better.”

“I don’t care what you like.”

“I’ll make sure you get to school safe,” I say proudly. That’s what big brothers do. “And make sure none of the homeless people poke you.”

“Um…” She looks confused and maybe a little scared. She tugs at her mom’s shirt.

“Mama…”

“There’s no homeless people around here, Aiden,” she tells me. “You don’t have to feel unsafe. We’re here to take care of you.”