Learning that his baby was born with a disability, his mother filed a denial form eleven years ago. Sam saw that paper himself when he delivered personal files to the medical office. The nurse handed him a folder, told him to follow her, then her phone rang and she fled, waving him toward the clinic and saying, You sort it out yourself. She never imagined that, seeing his own surname on the file, Sam would open the folder and read his mothers denial statement.
In childrens homes every child waits for a parent, but Sam stopped waiting. He also stopped crying. His heart grew a steel shell that shielded him from other kids teasing, loneliness, and lack of affection. The home, like any other, had its own customs.
On the eve of New Year all the residents wrote letters to Father Christmas. The director passed the letters to donors, who tried their best to grant the wishes. Some letters even reached an RAF squadron. Most children asked for the same miracle: to find a mum and a dad. Those who opened the letters were left puzzling over what present to give.
One day, flight engineer Major Chapman received such a letter. He slipped it into his flight jacket pocket, promising to read it at home and discuss with his wife and daughter what they could buy for the child. That evening, as the family sat down for dinner, he remembered the letter, opened it and read aloud: Dear adults, if you can, please give me a laptop. No need to spend money on toys or clothes. We have everything here. On the Internet I could find friends and maybe even family. At the bottom was the signature: Sam Ives, 11 years old.
What a clever kid, his wife said. He really can find anyone he needs online.
Their daughter, Poppy, frowned, read the letter again and thought aloud. Her father noticed a tremor in her lips.
Whats up? he asked.
You know, Dad, he probably doesnt expect to find his parents, she said. He isnt looking for them because they arent there. For him the laptop is a lifeline out of loneliness. Look, he writes find friends or family. Strangers can become family, too. Lets take all the money from my piggy bank, buy a laptop, and give it to that boy.
The New Year celebration in the childrens home went on as usual. There was a performance, then Father Christmas and Mrs. Claus lit the tree. Sponsors handed out gifts, and sometimes families took a few children home for a holiday.
Sam, as always, expected no one to notice him. He was used to seeing only pretty girls get attention; the boys were usually ignored. He had written the letter simply because everyone else did. Today, among the guests, he spotted a man in a pilots uniform. His heart fluttered, but he turned away and exhaled quietly. After receiving a bag of sweets, the limping boy headed for the exit.
Sam Ives! a voice called, and he turned.
Behind him stood the pilot. Sam froze, uncertain how to react.
Hello, Sam, the pilot said. We got your letter and want to give you a gift. But first, lets get to know each other. Im Andrew, but you can call me Uncle Andy.
And Im Aunt Rebecca, said a beautiful woman standing beside him.
Im Poppy, a girl smiled. Were the same age.
Im Sam Obrow, he replied.
Poppy wanted to ask something, but the man handed Sam a box and said, Its for you. Come with us to a room and well show you how the laptop works.
They entered an empty hall where the children usually did evening lessons. Poppy demonstrated how to turn the laptop on and off, log in, browse the web, and signed Sam up to a social network. The man sat nearby, offering occasional pointers. Sam felt the warmth, strength, and protection of the adults around him.
The girl chattered like a sparrow, yet Sam noted she wasnt a whiner; she knew her way around computers and played sports. When they left, the woman hugged him, her perfume leaving a gentle trace in his nose and eyes. Sam stood still for a heartbeat, then, breathless, walked down the corridor.
Well be back! the girl shouted.
Sams life changed dramatically. He stopped caring about nicknames and ignored the other kids. The Internet offered endless useful things. He had long been fascinated by aircraft and learned that the first massproduced military transport was the Avro Anson, designed by Sir Geoffrey de Havilland, and that the Ansons variants followed later.
On weekends Uncle Andy and Poppy visited. They sometimes went to the circus, played arcade games, ate ice cream. Sam felt shy and uneasy that they always paid for everything.
One memorable morning, the headmaster called him into his office. Sam entered and saw Aunt Rebecca. His heart quickened, his throat went dry.
Sam, the headmaster said, Rebecca wants to give you two days off with her. If you agree, Ill let you go.
Sam, today is Aviation Day. Uncle Andy is hosting a big celebration. Hed love you to attend. Will you go?
Sam nodded enthusiastically, unable to speak.
Fine then, the woman said, signing a form.
Joyful, Sam left the office hand in hand with her. Their first stop was a large clothing store where they bought him jeans and a shirt. Seeing his battered trainers, Rebecca led him to the shoe department. Finding the right size was tricky because Sams feet were different sizes.
He blushed, but she reassured him, Dont worry. After the celebration well go to an orthopaedic clinic and get you proper bootsone with a special sole so your legs stay level and you hardly limp. No one will even notice.
Next they stopped at a barbershop, then went home to fetch Poppy. For the first time Sam stepped out of a childrens home. He had never been in a family flat and didnt know what domestic life felt like. The warm, cosy scent of a livedin home wrapped around him. He shyly entered the living room, perched on the edge of the sofa, and looked around. Directly in front of him stood a huge aquarium with colourful fishsomething hed only ever seen on television.
Im ready, Poppy said. Lets go, Sam, Mum will catch up.
They took the lift down, walked to the car, and passed a sandpit where a boy was looking around. Seeing them, he shouted, Look, a lanternman, a lanternwoman!
Hold on a sec, Poppy said, walking over to the shouting child. In the same instant Sam saw her turn sharply, and the boy tumbled into the sandpit.
Whats that about? the boy said, lying in the sand. I was only joking.
Make jokes elsewhere, the girl replied.
The airfield was painted in bright colours. Uncle Andy met them and showed them his plane. Sams breath was taken away when he saw the massive silver aircraft up close; his soul was stunned by its power. Then came the air show. People stared at the sky, waved, and shouted with delight. When Uncle Andys plane roared overhead, Poppy waved and screamed, Dads flying! Dad!
Sam jumped clumsily, shouting, Dad! Look, Dads up there! He didnt notice the girl had gone quiet, watching her mother wipe away tears.
Later, after dinner, Andy sat beside Sam and put an arm around his shoulders.
You know, he said, we believe everyone should grow up in a family. Only in a family can you truly learn to love, protect, and be loved. Do you want to be part of ours?
A tight knot rose in Sams throat, choking his breath. He pressed close to the man and whispered, Dad, Ive always waited for you.
A month later, a happy Sam said goodbye to the childrens home. He stepped down the steps proudly, holding his fathers hand, almost not limping, and walked toward the exit. At the gate they paused. Sam turned, scanned the building, and waved to the kids and carers lingering on the steps.
Were crossing that line now, his father said. A new life starts beyond it. Forget the bad things that happened here, but remember those who stood on the stepsthey helped you survive. Always be grateful to those who have helped you.
