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“Yes, Miss Cheryl.” Silas nodded. Okaaay. The room was his. He wondered how old the girls were. He was excited to hear he would go to school. Silas hugged Teddy.
Miss Lily bent down and held out her arms to hold Silas. He got up and was enveloped in her scent, which was comforting. “Remember what I told you, Silas. Be good. Miss Cheryl wants to help you. Remember, this could be your forever home.”
Swallowing a lump in his throat, he pulled away from Miss Lily. “I remember.”
“Good,” said Ms. Lily. “I’ll say goodbye, then.” She stood, blew Silas a kiss, and walked out of the room.
“Well, boy,” said Miss Cheryl. “Are you going to come out of the closet or stay in there?”
Silas looked down at his feet. He stepped out, squeezing Teddy.
“Dinner’s at six.” She looked at her watch. “The girls will be home in an hour. Have you unpacked?”
He nodded.
“All right.” Miss Cheryl sighed. “Why don’t you play in the room for a while?” With that, she walked out.
Silas hugged his bear and sat on the bed. He could play if he had toys, but he didn’t have any and didn’t want to ask Miss Cheryl for some. The room looked cold, even with the Legos bed cover. He loved playing with Legos, although he didn’t have any. The older boys in his last foster home had, but he only got to play with them once before the boys hid them.
Silas shivered. He was alone again. Hopefully, this home would be better.
CHAPTER SIX
Anne met the foster mom and a little boy named Silas at the beginning of class. He was a skinny little kid with big brown expressive eyes and a mop of black hair. His clothes were clean, but a little worn, and he didn’t have a backpack; the only thing he was tightly clutching was an adorable teddy bear.
She bent down and asked gently, “What’s your bear’s name?”
“Teddy,” he murmured, focusing on the floor. Anne wanted to hug him and tell him everything would be okay. However, it wasn’t her place right now.
Miss Cheryl, the foster mom, let out an exasperated sigh. “I tried to have him leave it at home, but no dice.”
“It’s fine. Lots of children bring their favorite stuffed animal or doll from home the first few days until they feel comfortable.”
Anne reached out her hand to Silas. “How about we go inside, and I’ll find you a seat. Today is going to be fun. We’re going to read and play a game. Then, after snacks, we’re going to plant seeds.” She smiled at Silas. “Does that sound like something you’d like to do?”
Silas nodded.
“Well, I guess I’ll get going,” said Cheryl. “My daughters will stop by and walk him home.”
“Great. I’m sure Silas will be fine.”
“Let’s hope. I don’t have time to return if he’s having problems,” said Cheryl.
Whoa. Anne took a deep breath. Why would Cheryl say something like that in front of a child?
Cheryl walked away before Anne could reply. She glanced at Silas, who continued to look at his feet. Her heart ached for him. She couldn’t imagine being in foster care or alone in the world.
Anne settled Silas in with a group of kids. The school day was progressing well, but the exchange between her and Cheryl unsettled her. Why would a person become a foster parent and not be affectionate or care about the child?
A year ago, she completed the qualifications and training to become a foster parent for a school-age child. Her friends were more than happy to recommend her. She came from a loving family, and that she had early childhood education and taught was also in her favor. Besides, there was no shortage of babysitters; her friends had already volunteered. She was healthy, owned her three-bedroom house, and was financially stable. Anne had been excited at the time about fostering. Well, still was, but she was afraid to take the next step.
What if she failed as a foster mom or got a child who was out of control? Would she be able to send the child back? It was a huge decision, and Anne knew that when she was ready, she would contact the agency.
Anne couldn’t shake off a sense of unease as the day unfolded, especially after recess. Silas had a great time playing outside and making new friends. Some kids were swinging, and others were playing tag.
Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a man standing by the old oak tree. Anne couldn’t tell how old he was but thought he was between thirty and forty. He had a baseball cap on, so she couldn’t even tell anyone the color of his hair. She was sure she wouldn’t recognize him again.
Then he started walking away but still glancing at the children. Most people walking by enjoyed watching the kids play, but Anne was uncomfortable with this man, who seemed to be closely watching a small group of boys, including Silas. It annoyed her that she couldn’t put her finger on why.
