Date: Thu, 3 Nov 2022 23:09:13 +0100 (CET)
From: jacoblion@tutanota.com
Subject: A Neglected Boy A Phone Call

From: jacoblion@tutanota.com

Subject: A Neglected Boy, A Phone Call

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A Phone Call
A fictional story by Jacob R. Lion
Told by Jake

   It seems like yesterday that we were in Everglades National Park
exploring canoe trails, photographing birds, manatees, dolphin, hammerhead
sharks, and hundreds of crocodiles.  Kori and I along with all the boys
must have taken more than a thousand photos.

   Ethan and Keith have remarked on more than one occasion how Justin and
Kyle seem to be natural wildlife photographers.  Their composition and use
of depth of field certainly was more creative than Kori, mine or the teens.

   Having said that, Kyle and Justin when complemented have just shrugged
their shoulders and thanked us for the complement, and say "it's just what
the eye sees"

   For two 11-year-olds their reaction to an honest compliment appears to
Kori and me as being very grown up.  Actually they are not quite 11
... that will happen in a few days.

   As I had been saying, before my mind wandered to "the twins"
photography, it did seem that it was only yesterday that we were in the
Everglades being attacked by mosquitoes.  What has really happened is that
we've been adventuring to a number of places.

   First stop was to visit the Miccosukee Tribe of Native Americans.  There
we watched as they hand crafted for both men, and women very beautiful
jewelry.  Yep, you guessed it, we all bought rings and then a few more
things like weaved baskets as gifts.

   They have airboat rides and the most incredible animal show where two
tribe members wrestle alligators.  Ha-ha, you thought I was going to say
two men ... nope ... one man one woman.  Kyle and Justin couldn't believe
it when this guy held the alligator's jaw open and put his head inside.

   From there it was on to Sanibel Island for 2 days of being instructed by
Justin and Kyle how to sail a small Catamaran.  Three boats, three teams,
Kori and Kyle, me and Justin, Ethan and Keith ... umm that's not any good
at all.  So, we switched ... me n Kori, Ethan n Kyle, Keith n Justin
... ... no, no, no! ... Just forget it ... just sail for fun ... no more
racing. ! !

   From there it was the Ringling Brothers Museum and then on to the best
show ever.  How could things get better?  Best show ever?  Well, we went
swimming with Manatees at Crystal River, and that was, as Justin and Kyle
said Awesome!!!  They love the words `Awesome, and Amazing'

   Kori and I had very carefully planned the trip to this point.  There was
a surprise, and not even Ethan or Keith knew anything about it.  All the
boys were excited that in our trip plans we were going to the Kennedy Space
Center ... what they didn't know was that on the way to the Space Center we
had booked 3 days at Epcot, and 4 nights at their camping resort. We didn't
even tell Penny and Silence.

    I was again elected to drive ... seems I get elected to drive quite
often now. ... Well, we had been on the road about 45 minutes, and just
turned onto the Florida Turnpike heading south toward Orlando when Kori's
phone started. ... `I wish he'd change that stupid ring'. ... Then my cell
started, (it was the signal that I had a text) ... then both Ethan and
Keith's'.  ... Ok, what's going on as I've been directed to pull into the
next rest area! ... Not really directed, more like ordered to pull into the
rest area.

   Kori, Keith, and Ethan all talking at the same time ... "it's an
emergency ... call the Judge" . . . . Then a text message on my phone from
Henry (the Judge) and it reads "Jake, call me ASAP!" ... ... ... Kori
turned his phone for me to read a text from Liam ... "Dad n Kori call Henry
now!" geeeeze something is very wrong.

   Now of course Justin and Kyle haven't been sleeping, and neither were
the Whippets ... the two dogs, and two `tweens', otherwise known as
rug-rats, want to know what's going on. ... ... Well, for now `curiosity
will just have to kill the cat' because Kori told Keith and Ethan to take
the `tweens n dogs' for a walk while we call Henry.

   Elected again ... Kori thought it best if I made the call ... sure Kori,
if it's going to be bad news why not let me get it? ... He's always been
like that ... but I gotta love him, and love him I do and have for many
years.

   Now I thought Kori would stay close as I made the call but, as soon as I
hit Henry's name on the phone Kori took a walk.  Henry answered immediately
... "Hi Jake thanks for calling right away.  We've got a real problem here
at the "Boy's Home" and Liam along with the child advocate from the state
think you and Kori may be best to resolve it or at least try." ... ... I
listened then interrupted.......

   Henry, you know Kori, me, and the boys are on a "Quest" so to speak but,
you also know that Kori and I will do anything we can to help a kid in
trouble ... `if we can'. ... ... That's when Henry dropped the bomb.

   "Jake, we've got a 9-year-old Chinese boy who almost speaks no English
at all, and for that matter hardly speaks or even tries to speak.  What he
does best is fight! ... If you even look at him the wrong way he goes off
the deep end, and will take on anyone that is within 10 feet.  ... The
thing is Liam says he's actually a very loving kid who is so afraid of
everything that it's his way of dealing with how angry he with himself
... if that makes any sense".

   "Jake, I know what I'm about to ask isn't reasonable, and I'll
understand if you say you and Kori just can't do it but I need to ask
... it might be the last chance for this kid to get a break before being
turned over to child services, and you know they'll eat him up. ... Could
you, Kori, and the boys please come home and maybe take this kid, his name
is Bin ... he doesn't have an English name.  Perhaps you should give Liam a
call now.  Thanks it's important".

   Henry's smart ... he didn't even give me a chance to reply he just ended
the call. ... I knew when we got those calls it was something important and
couldn't wait.  I also knew it would be best to record the call and I did.
Now Kori will have to listen to it and so will Ethan, Keith, and "The
Twins". Then it will be a family decision.

   I walked out to find Kori leaning against the front of the bus.  He
looked at me and without me saying anything he said ... "We're going home,
it's written all over your face." ... ... I interrupted him saying ... not
necessarily Kori, you need to hear the call, and so do the boys all of
them, then we can talk about it.

   Kori took my phone and listened.  His expression was serious.  He
glanced at me with almost a smile then began walking toward the boys as
they played ball with Penny and Silence.  Funny when he glanced at me I
already knew what he was thinking (we're going home).  Now the question is
will the boys have the same thought.

   Kori spoke quietly to the boys, turned and they all returned to the
bus. I explained to the boys there was a situation at the "Boys Home" with
Neil, Peter and Liam, ... and that Kori and I needed them to listen to what
the Judge had said.  After that we would give them some time to talk it
over.

   I started the conversation from the Judge ... "Jake, we've got a
9-year-old Chinese boy who almost speaks no English ... ... for that matter
hardly speaks or even tries to speak.  What he does best is fight!
......... it might be the last chance for this kid to get a break before
being turned over to child services, and you know they'll eat him
up. ... Could you, Kori, and the boys please come home, and maybe take this
kid, his name is Bin......"

   The entire conversation from Henry hadn't even finished when Kyle and
Justin were wiping tears.  Ethan was messing with his phone, looked at Kori
and me and said ... ... "It's 1,288 miles to Ashfield...." Keith
interrupted with "If you both take turns driving we can be at the farm
tomorrow afternoon".

   "We don't even want to stop at McDonalds we gots plenty of food"...  and
that was the information from our Tweens.  Then they added ... ... "n those
teen twerps make better burgers anyways". . . . .  Well the tears had been
exchanged for laughs, and Kori was already behind the wheel ... Thank
goodness for that!

   Keith and Ethan were our copilots.  They were giving Kori directions to
pick up I4 North to head for Daytona Beach.  At Daytona Beach we would pick
up I 95 North.  From there it would be straight north to Connecticut, and
then I think the bus would be on auto pilot to our farm in Ashfield.

   The bus was alive with constant chatter from Kyle and Justin.  It was
one question after another. ... "What's his name Dad?  How old is he, you
said 9 right?  Will we adopt him?  Can he have a horse?" ... whoa you guys
... his name is Bin, and he's 9, and that's all I know ... Oh, and don't
you both have unfinished homework? ... "Daaaddd" ... Hey, get the
homeschool books n your Chromebooks ... and get to work.  ... Oh, n no more
questions either!

   Things were quiet, finally.  I began thinking about the arrival, and I
needed to call Liam.  I also needed some privacy so I headed back to our
bedroom and left Ethan as copilot, and Keith to help Justin and
Kyle. ... hmmm, as I remember Ethan and Keith also have unfinished course
work ... I gently reminded them ... "Ok Dad" ... I think that was their way
of telling me I could go call Liam now.

   I closed the sliding door to the bedroom and placed the call to Liam.
His hand must have been on his cell phone ... he answered immediately.  Not
waiting a second to hear what I was about to say he began ... "Dad, I'm so
happy you and Kori are on the way.  I never had any doubt that you would
say anything but yes when you heard of a kid like Bin needing the help that
only you and Kori can give".

   Well, Liam's opening statement certainly put Kori and I right into the
thick of things without even knowing any details. ... Then I began to hear
some of the details when Liam continued . . . . "Dad, this is one of, if
not, the worst abuse case I have had to work on.  Bin was discovered
abandoned, left on a snowy night, in the cold, outside a gas station
convenience store, just off Rt-91 in North Hampton."

   Liam's first words already had me upset, but what he said next made me
sick . . . . "Dad, the attendant didn't find him till he went to empty the
trash.  Bin was all curled up lying outside the door in just thin dirty
pants, and an old shirt.  He had no coat, hat or gloves, and his sneakers
were thin and wet.  His nose was bloody and his face swollen from being
beaten.  As Liam continued I understood why Kori and I may be the best
chance for this 9-year-old abused kid to have a chance at life.  Then Liam
continued. ... ... "Dad, remember when you first brought me home, the first
time you bathed me?  Remember the song I sang `The Bear went over the
Mountain'? ... The bruises, and marks on my back? ... well, this is worse
that's why Henry called you, that's why we're asking you and Kori for
help."

   Just before the call ended I knew the emotions Liam was feeling.  As we
said goodbye I assured Liam that we would be at the farm sometime tomorrow
afternoon. ... It must be almost time for a quick `walk the Whippets stop'
... while the boys give the dogs a little exercise I'll give Kori all the
info, and then I'll take the wheel to push the bus toward home.

   I closed the door to the bedroom, walked through the bunkroom and found
the boys in the living area.  They were gathered around the dining table as
if they were having some kind of major conference.  All their homeschool
books and college course books were open.  I'm impressed and simply asked
what the subject of the debate was........... Oh geeeeze the looks then....

   "Dad these two idiot bigshot teens thought they had to give us a lecture
about our `extra circular activities' when this kid comes to live with us.
What the `HELL' Dad we're not completely `imbecilic feebleminded morons'
you know." ... Wow!  That was quite a statement that Kyle just made.  I did
have to agree with him that really he and his brother Justin are very
intelligent.  (I did have to stop myself from laughing.)

   Now it's time to address his language. ... Kyle, I am somewhat impressed
with part of your vocabulary; however you need to know I am not happy with
your choice or tone with one particular word ... do you get my drift?  I
looked at Kyle with `the look' (Justin's trying to hide and keep from
giggling) "Yes Dad I get it ... if I use `Hell' (he emphasized when he said
it) it can only be that I'm describing where you go if you'd not been a
good person."

   He and Justin are only 11 and I can see more and more the influence that
Ethan and Keith are having.  I'd not be surprised if either or both of our
`resident monsters' were to become lawyers.

   Now I have to speak to our `teens'.  I was just about to tell Ethan and
Keith that we might need to talk about......I didn't get to finish my
statement when Ethan cut me off ... ... "Dad come on, you and Kori really
think we're what Kyle said ... you know `completely imbecilic feebleminded
morons'.  Keith and I have already talked about it, you know the `extra
circular activities' thing.  So that should maybe calm your nerves a bit"

   Well, I'm somewhat relieved.  I think my little talk with the boys went
rather well.  I just need to talk to Kori.

   The hours passed quickly as every 3 or so hours we would pull into a
rest or service area for a 15 minute break.  We only needed fuel twice, and
Ethan and Keith were the biggest help taking turns as our copilots during
the night.  I can say, and I know I speak for Kori as well, that without
their help the night driving would have been torture.

   I was at the wheel on I95 North, and approaching New Haven, and there it
was ... the overhead sign saying 91 North.  It was just noon and the crew
the whole crew let out a cheer.  I made the turn onto 91N, and at the first
pull off I pulled over to let Kori take us home.  Don't you know it started
to snow ... not much ... just enough to let us know we were back in New
England.

   Ethan and Keith beat me to it and had called Liam to let him know where
we were, and about what time we would be at the farm.  Ethan passed his
cell phone to me and we all heard......

........"Dad, Bin and I are up at the house and will be here when you
arrive.  I've opened things up, and turned up the heat.  I thought it best
to let him explore a little.  I told him we were going to Elmer's store to
pick up some food and maybe a snack.  He hasn't said anything, but he gets
along well with me, and shakes his head `no' or nods up and down if it's a
`yes'.  One thing positive is that he has been very calm today.  See you
soon"

   I think Liam heard the unison request ... "Uncle Liam, 4 large Pizzas
please" ... the unison request had the definite twang of an unmistakable
Korean accent. ... Liam replied ... "Ok, Keith n Ethan ... I knew it was
you guys asking."  We all were laughing, and I hope Bin could hear.  I'm
sure he knows what Pizza is.

   We were about an hour away when my cell started buzzing; it was a text
from Liam ... "Please let everyone know to just go on being a family.
Don't try to involve Bin, or to get him to participate ... just let him get
used to everyone.  I'm not saying not to speak to him ... I'm thinking of
Justin and Kyle and that they may want to try to engage him in activities
... probably not a good idea at this point."

   I sat with the boys and explained Liam's text they understood.

   Kori pulled the bus down the long slippery snow covered driveway and
stopped opposite the front porch.  Liam and Bin were standing at the top of
the steps, and Liam was smiling and waving as the door to the bus
opened. Bin stood shyly on Liam's right side, and slightly behind him.  He
wasn't looking at the bus but rather at the ground between the porch and
the bus.  I can't imagine what he must be thinking.

   One by one we stepped from the bus.  Not fast, not slow, but deliberate
waving, and with a smile so Bin could see each of us separately.  I think
if we had charged off the bus in our usual fashion he would have run and
hid.

   What we couldn't catch in time were Silence and Penny.  They hit the
ground and were off on a run ... and that caught Bin's attention.  He
followed their every move, expressionless, but never took his eyes off
them.

   Normally Kori would have backed the bus back along the west side of the
barn, but for now it will rest where it is.  We each made our way up the
front steps and onto the porch greeting Liam with handshakes and hugs.  We
all offered Bin our hand but he only looked down and bowed slightly.  I
don't know if was out of respect or submission.

   Penny and Silence having had their run ran up the steps and immediately
found Bin. ... ... something happened ... right then, right in a split
second something happened.  Bin leaned down and kissed Silence and Penny on
the head.  He didn't look at any of us ... for that matter he never even
acknowledged our existence.

   The next move was on the part of Justin and Kyle when they walked over
to Bin, and pointed to each of the Whippets.  Justin pointed to Penny and
said "Penny" ... Kyle pointed at Silence and said "Silence" ... they both
smiled at Bin then followed Keith and Ethan as we went through the living
room to the kitchen, which had the amazing aroma of fresh hot pizza.

   We didn't ignore Bin ... we just gathered around the large kitchen table
and talked as Liam and Ethan began sliding pizza slices onto paper plates
and onto the table. ... Liam let us know that Bin knew the pizza was for
everyone, and that he could sit at the table if he wanted.

   Liam was right about one thing, just let Bin get involved as he wanted.
This whole ordeal must be difficult for him ... strangers, talking in a
foreign language, a strange house in some town he'd never been in before.
Police, hospital, doctors, fighting with kids he didn't know.  What must he
be thinking?

   I realized we were all around the table but not Bin.  I looked toward
the hallway and living room that's when I spotted him.  Penny and Silence
were in their kitchen bed, one of those large oval soft beds, Bin was on
the floor leaning half against the wall, and half on the back side of the
Whippets bed.  His eyes were closed but he wasn't asleep ...no, his right
hand was softly stroking Silence's head.

   I caught Liam's attention and motion to him to look at Bin ... he did
then said ... "Just let him be." ... The boys had noticed too.  Knowing
"The Twins" like they are this must be difficult for them as well, they
both looked so sad.  We were home, but this wasn't fun, and it sure wasn't
a happy time either.

    It was almost 5:30.  There was one full pizza box and one half gone as
things began to wind down.  Ethan, Keith, Kyle, and Justin disappeared down
the hallway toward the `tweens' bedroom Kori and I began to clean things up
and Liam was sitting on the floor with Bin and the Whippets.

   Liam was speaking very softly, and every so often Bin would nod `yes' or
shake his head `no'.  Liam finally got off the floor and come over to the
sink and said ... ... "Bin understands he will be staying with you guys for
a few days; he actually seemed ok with it.  I explained that he would have
his own room down stairs, he's already been down there, and I helped him
make his bed as we were getting things ready for you to arrive.  I told him
that he could get you or the boys if he needed help or was afraid for any
reason."

   Something strange ... we looked over by the hallway and Bin was still in
the same spot with Penny and Silence.  That may not seem strange but at any
other time if Kyle and Justin went down the hall to their room so did the
Whippets.  One thing we know is that Whippets are very sensitive dogs and
tune into the feelings of people.  I think they know that Bin is hurting
inside, and they are staying next to him to comfort and protect him.

   There is proof to my last thought.  Liam said goodbye to everyone then
went out the front door.  Bin watched Liam through the living room window
as he took the snowmobile back down to Neil's house.  Where were the
Whippets? ... ... right at his side.

   Bin looked around and found the corner to the right side of the
fireplace.  It was there he chose to sit.  Silence on one side and Penny
the other.  Both dogs curled up their heads resting on Bin.

   We were back in the kitchen after waving goodbye to Liam.  Kori had been
very quiet.  It was obvious that he was finding it very difficult to just
let Bin alone as Liam had suggested, and I was feeling the
same. ... ... "Jake, I don't think I can take this much longer.  I just
want to go pick him up and hold him.  He doesn't need to be alone!"

   We decide to go in the living room, turn on the TV, and sit on the sofa.
We would wait a minute or two then Kori and I would get Bin's attention and
invite him to join us.  ... ... "Jake no more talk let's try."

   We were just leaving the kitchen.  We had one foot in the hall between
the kitchen and the living room when talking and a lot of commotion started
down at Justin and Kyle's bedroom.  The next thing Kori and I saw was
Ethan, Keith and those `rug-rat tweens' enter the hall dragging blankets,
pillows, and a bunch of camping gear. (so that's what they've doing)

   "Hey you guys what's going on?" ... that was Kori in his `professor
voice' ... "Dad, we decided to have a camping sleepover, you know just for
fun" ... Justin didn't say anything else, he didn't have to ... Kori and I
knew immediately what the 4 boys were doing and it was a damn good idea!

   Kori and I went ahead with our plan ... turned on the TV, got
comfortable on the sofa and motioned for Bin to join us. ... ... Ahhhhh,
but at this point with the commotion created by our 4 Indians blowing up
sleeping mats and throwing around blankets and pillows his attention was on
them ... so we were ignored and we didn't mind at all.

   Kori whispered ... "Jake, Bin is pretending he's not watching what the
boys are doing." ... ... I had noticed Bin was sitting in the corner
watching our tyrants with `their' plan.  Then the miracle happened.

   Justin stretched out on the floor as far as he could reach almost to the
hall, and pulled a small box to where he and Kyle were.  They were about to
blow up their sleeping mats.  The box was not very big, but about 24 inches
long.  He and Kyle were looking very serious.  Justin opened the end of the
box and pulled out a new sleeping mat. ... ... and the miracle began......

   Kyle took the mat and walked over to Bin and handed it to him placing
the mouth piece right in his hand ... then pointed to Justin. ... Yep, it
happened. ... Bin looked over at Justin, ... then Justin began blowing up
his sleeping mat.  It took only a few seconds before Bin began doing the
same thing.

   In that moment when Bin began to blow up his sleeping mat Silence and
Penny got up and began pouncing on all the boys in the middle of the living
room floor. ... ... there had been a real miracle, and we were watching Bin
become part of the family.

   It took Bin a little more time to get his sleeping mat all blown up
... when he finished we were treated to seeing him smile for the first
time.

   The boys began arranging the mats on the floor making this huge bed.
They let Bin place his mat where he wanted.  He placed it at the very end
of the square and closest to the corner where he had been sitting.

   Kori had this huge smile as he looked at me, then whispered ... "We are
making progress ... or should I say our boys are making progress." ... It
goes without saying we are so proud of the boys, they had a brilliant idea
and it worked perfectly.

   Like it or not it's time to think about calling it an evening, and get
everyone to bed.  I thought this should prove interesting.  Now that means
that Silence and Penny need to go out, and it's snowing ... I mean it's
really snowing.

   Seems Kyle and Justin are communicating quite well with Bin, and now the
3 of them are heading for the back door.  Oh did I mentioned Keith and
Ethan were close behind, and as they stepped out into the cold Kori and I
heard ... "It's a good night for hot chocolate"

   Kori thinks that idea is a good one, and was already getting things
down, and had put a large pan on the stove ... yes, yes we still make hot
chocolate the old fashion way.  I looked out the kitchen window just in
time to see the Whippets with their noses stuck in the snow and running as
fast as they could.  Guess they'll need a snack when they come in ... then
this crew is off to bed.

Kori had this big grin ... ... Ok Kori, what's with the grin? ... "Ha, I
just sent Liam a text saying he needs to stop here for coffee in the
morning and see if he can sort things out" ... ... Oh, that was perfect
Kori ... wait till he sees Bin with the boys.

   The back door opened, and it was a mad rush of dogs and kids.  Bin was
laughing. ... ... I just realized how cute this kid is, amazingly cute!
... ... Then there seemed to be a problem ... Bin stopped short,
... lowered his head as if he had done something wrong.  He stood so still
... I think he was almost trembling.  He looked at me and said "sorry" and
bowed in respect then did the same to Kori.

   I think Bin thought he was going to be hit. ... ... Ethan and Keith were
nearly frozen, and for one of the first times, I don't think they knew what
to say or do.

   Fortunately Justin and Kyle did.  Justin put his hand under Bin's chin
and lifted his head.  He and Kyle began bowing then shaking their heads
saying "no here, no here" then Kyle smiled and pointed at Bin telling him
to smile too. ... It worked ... I ruffled his hair and he really smiled,
then I gave him thumbs up.

   "Kori how long before the cocoa is ready" ... Kori looked at Keith
... "don't be in such a hurry ... maybe 5 or 6 more minutes".
... ... Keith whispered something to Ethan, who whispered it to Justin, who
whispered it to Kyle, who motioned to Bin to follow him; they all
disappeared down the hall to the bedrooms.........I'm not sure but I think
somethings not right in Denmark. ... Kori and I know this crew, and they
are up to something.

   Yep, those little `twerps' are up to something, but if they included Bin
and he went with them I bet it'll be just fine.

   There was rumbling in the hall, and a lot of laughing.  Kori and I were
in for a surprise when all 5 boys, big and small, rounded the corner, and
came sauntering into the kitchen all wearing pajamas.  Oh they all looked
so cute n maybe a little funny too.  We never see them in PJs, boxers yes,
naked yes, PJs no ... but this time it was the most perfect thing for Bin.

   Hot chocolate and not so fresh oatmeal cookies ... best when dunked in
the hot chocolate were enjoyed be everyone ... even me.

   Everyone was talking and giggling and having a good time.  This old farm
house was alive again.  The two plates that had the `not so fresh' oatmeal
cookies were empty n so were the 7 cups.  That was my cue to suggest that
the 5 boys and 2 Whippets make their way to their camp in the living room
while Kori and I cleaned the kitchen.  ...

   Wow, can you believe there was no argument ... they just left me and
Kori to clean the mess.

   I think I took a deep breath and for the first time in 30+ hours began
to relax. ... I heard Kori's cell phone ... Liam's text read ... "Kori do
you need me to come up now?" ... ... we both laughed as Kori sent a text
back saying ... "No Liam, sometime mid-morning will be just fine.  Oh, if
you want to bring donuts that would be ok too."

   Cups all clean, kitchen sink wiped down, lights off, and these two old
dogs headed for our bedroom ... and with no company! ... (In case you're
wondering we were too tired for anything other than sleep) Oh, this bed
feels so darn good.

   Typical of winter the wind began to howl ... oh, how it did howl.  I
must have been in a sound sleep because it was nearly 3 in the morning.
Interesting, I thought with all the howling we'd have extra bodies in the
bed.  I shook Kori and told him I was going to check on our campers.

   I nearly crept through the kitchen, crossed the hall, and looked in the
living room.  I smiled to myself, returned to the bedroom and shook Kori
till he grumbled ... then told him he had to see the camp for himself.

   Still grumbling he reluctantly put one foot in front of the other and
followed me to `camp living room wilderness'.

   It was quite a site ... Bin's sleeping mat was empty, not used, not
needed ... nope, Bin was in the center of the group.  On one side he had
Penny on the other side was Silence ... ... next to the Whippets were
Justin and Kyle with their arms over the dogs, and resting on Bin.  All
cuddled up with Justin was Keith, and on the other side Ethan was all
wrapped around Kyle.  Someone was snoring `quietly'. ... Kori snapped a
picture.

   We were both smiling and feeling much more relaxed that the family was
peacefully sleeping in our country home.  We crawled back into bed and just
as I turned out the light Kori said ... "I can't wait for Liam to visit".

The Story Continues in the next Chapter ...  "Visitors"

To all my readers please know I would love to hear from you.  I always
enjoy reading your comments.  Did this chapter make you remember things
from past chapters? ... What was your favorite part of the story?
Thanks...... Jacob ... ... jacoblion@tutanota.com