You can stay longer if you want of course.You can stay longer if you want of course. That's up to you." "Huh? The boy looked at me in surprise. "Why would you want me to stay with you?" I smiled gently. "You seem like a real nice kid whose in a world of trouble. Maybe I can help, maybe I can't. You need a friend right now and I want to be your friend. I guess I always wanted a son, someone like you." The boy smiled slowly and then he hugged me back. I felt wonderful as his little brown arms clasped me and held me tightly. Somehow I knew deep inside that we needed each other and that this was meant to be. Rafael twisted slightly so that he could hug me even stronger. He winced and grimaced as the pain shot through his groin. "You better take it easy." I said gently. "Could I really live with you? I'd be good." The boy looked up at me and I could see that there were tears forming in his big puppy-dog eyes. |