Saved

Saved

Walking to the bus to take my walk in the park.

It’s required, (by my doctor…) I live in a small apartment, stores under me, food, clothes. I have no reason to wander around for exercise. Doctor Prell is so proud! I fail to tell her that I take the bus to and from the park… I can’t spend my whole day walking. Plus, I don’t want to miss my favorite shows. Yes, I’ve seen them before (many times) but I like it better when I don’t need to worry about who killed who, I already know!

The bus was a bit late that day. I got home later than usual. When I got off, I was concerned at how much of my show I’d missed. As I stopped to check my watch, a voice startled me.

“Do you need help?” Looking up I didn’t see anybody, looking down there was a child.

“You scared me,” I said.

“I’m sorry,” the little person said, “I know you live upstairs, like me and Mom."

“Where is Mom?”

“She’s at work.”

“Where’s your caretaker?”

“What’s that?”

“Babysitter?”

“Oh, I don’t have one. I’m four now!”

Suddenly there was a yell, “James! What are you doing out?!”

Apparently, by the look on his face, he was supposed to be in. “I forgot?”

The mother, Jane, I know now, apologized, telling me he was not allowed out. You could tell she was frazzled. I suddenly understood, she couldn’t afford rent and living expenses and babysitting too.

And that’s how I started being a babysitter. No charge either! James keeps me honest (we walk to the park daily) and I keep him safe, and entertained. (I am pleasantly surprised at how much cartoons have changed since I was a child.)

Life is good.