A Night Visitor

Today the most strange thing occurred. I was fell asleep, quite spent, after studying for the LSATs. I suddenly awoke. I was quite tired and wanted to continue sleeping, but for some reason I knew I had to get up. So I through my coat on, grabbed my keys and headed towards my classroom. On my way out, I heard someone knocking on the door. I couldn’t help but wonder at the timing. When I arrived at the door, I was startled to see one of my students rapping on the window. Now this boy and I are close, but he certainly has never expressed any interest in visiting me. I asked him what in the world was going on. He was evasive at best. All I could get out of him was that he had been with his cousin, his mom had taken their brother to the hospital in Pine Ridge and he had no where to go. He seemed shaken. Now he has been acting very strangely over the past few days so I was worried. However, I nonchalantly invited him to come with me to the classroom.

First thing I did was have him call his mom who said she would be by soon. I ceased pressing him on the situation that brought him to my door. After about a half of an hour, his mother arrived outside. I gave the boy a hug and said goodbye. I could tell he was reluctant to leave. Nevertheless, I was stunned when he came running back not ten seconds later and asked me if he could stay with the night with me. Now, I do not think I was imagining the desperation in his eyes. I told him that do that, he would need a signed note from his mom. Agreeing, he dashed off into the night. I held the door open so he could report the news. He ran back after conferencing with his mom and told me that she didn’t know if I could. His communication was unclear and he was clearly nervous. I asked him what he meant by “she didn’t know.” I asked him if she got a note, but he shook his head. I told him that I couldn’t take him without his mother’s consent. He asked me if he could ask again. I nodded and watched him dash over to his mother’s door. This time I could hear yelling at him “I said no!” I turned my head the other way, embarrassed for him. He soon came dashing back and said “She said no.” I gave him a hug and told him to call me if he needed anything. Again, he ran into the night.

I have a very uneasy feeling about the whole situation. This kid is not a clingy kid and though we clearly get along, has never been overly affectionate or even expressed any desire to spend more time with me. This situation clearly stemmed from drama at home. Please join me in praying for my little boy.

B