Memories

Undisclosed, 1992

The orphanage’s playground was as loud as ever, I always just got away from all the noise and played with some LEGO the nuns gave me. That was until one day I saw a girl being bullied by other kids, who took her teddy bear and didn’t seem interested in returning it. My 6 year old self got up and walked to them. –What do you want?- Said one of them. –Give it back.- The girl was crying and looked at me with a face unlike an angel. –And who’s going to make me?- My fists subconsciously clenched, and next think I knew I was on the ground and filled with mud, since it rained the day before, hitting the kid in the cheek. –Okay, okay! Please, stop!- He gave me the bear, but I got into trouble. A nun saw me and started ranting at me. I gave the bear back and I held the hand of the nun, she was getting me into detention. On the way there, she let out a phrase. –Kids who don’t behave have a hard time getting adopted.- I let out a uncaring sigh. –If my real parents left me on the side of the road and didn’t want me, who says another family will…?- The nun looked at me with pity. I got used to it.

After I left detention the girl with the teddy bear was standing before me. –What are you doing here?- The girl was the first one to not look at me with pity, the first one to just… smile at me. –I was waiting for you… I always see you alone and I wanted to try to be your friend.- Richard looked down, almost insecurely. –I… sure… what’s your name?- The girl smiled at me, her lips beaming with happiness. –My name is Rebecca Leerence. What is yours?- I stared at her right into the eyes and answered. –My name is Richard… Richard Royce.-