Page 18 of The Star in Room 7

They smile. “I hope you do! You’re not alone here. Everyone will help you achieve that goal.”

I run my hand through my hair as tears prickle my eyes.

“You look sad.”

“I’m not sad. Everyone’s being so nice to me, even though they barely know me. It’s overwhelming.”

“I get that.” Puck grabs the other teddy bear. “Hugging a teddy bear helps me feel better. Maybe it’ll help you, too.” They look reluctant to give it to me, but it’s sweet that they’re offering.

“No, thanks. I should let you get back to watching TV.”

“You could join me. If you want to?”

“No. Thanks. I need to be alone for a bit. Thanks for the charger and the lollipop. I’ll bring it back.”

“The lollipop?” they ask playfully, drawing a laugh out of me.

“The charger.” I go to the door and then pause. “Have you ever met a guy called Nate?”

“Yes! He helped out during the last clean-up day.”

“Clean-up day?”

Puck nods enthusiastically. “We picked litter on the beach. It was fun.”

“And Nate… He’s…?”

“Nice. Kind. I like him.”

“Is he your caregiver?” I ask.

Puck laughs. “No!”

I pick at the lollipop wrapper. “Do you have a Daddy?”

“I have a patron who I spend time with who is a Daddy, but he’s not my Daddy, if that makes sense?”

“I think so, yes.”

“He’s helping me get— Stay sober.” They hug their teddy bear tighter and suck on the lollipop more aggressively. “Nicholas is a good man. Kind, patient, and caring.” They stare at me with their huge blue eyes.

“Does he make you feel safe?” I ask tentatively. “Do you feel safe here?”

“Yes. I hope you do, too.”

I smile, and then look away, suddenly far too self-aware, even though I have no idea why. An awkward beat passes between us.

“Are you sure you don’t want to watch cartoons?” Puck asks, although whether it’s to fill the silence or change the subject, I’m not sure.

“No, thanks. Sorry.”

They wave their hand, the damp, red lollipop flashing in the light pouring in through the window. “No need to apologize.”

“I seem to be doing a lot of that. So—” I catch myself by biting my tongue.

Puck stands and pushes the teddy bear into my arms. It’s brown and is missing an eye and the opposite ear. “He’ll help, I promise. His name’s Ted. Not very imaginative, but I was only five when I named him.”

“I can’t⁠—”