"I don't get it. Someone has a great kid like this, and they cause him to run away? I ought to keep him, obviously his parents don't deserve him!" thought Zach as he poured the kibble.
As he straightened up, the child grabbed the puppy, hugging it to his chest. He whispered something into its ear.
"Dinner is served, pup!" announced the truck driver, presenting the cereal bowl on the floor proudly. As he did so, he was listing the advantages which he could offer a child. Especially one which would likely end up in the System. And then in his mind, putting down the parents who he felt were at fault for putting such a young child in danger.
"Thanks so much, Sir." Don said, placing the puppy in front of the dog food. It promptly walked away, and jumped on the couch.
"I thought he'd be starving..." said Zach, scratching his head.
"Oh, he's not used to dog food. I always gave him food from my plate."
"I don't have any fresh meat. Do you think he would eat some soup? I could open up another can."
Don looked at the puppy, who very slightly nodded yes. "I think he would like that, Sir."
"Enough of this Sir business. Call me Zach. And what is your name?"
"Thank you, Zach. You can call me... Greg." replied Don, not wanting to give his real name.
"And what about your furry friend here, Greg?"
"You can call him Taz, like the Tasmanian Devil." said Don, deciding that really was better than the demon's real name of Taspirin.
Zach's eyes widened. "My company's name is TaZ. What an incredible coincidence."
To Zach, this felt like a sign from Above. He could have what he wanted, whether Mindy returned or not. This kid would get a second chance at life, and he would start the next phase of his. And if his prayers were answered, and he did find her, she and Sean would surely love him. He didn't care whose son was sitting in his kitchen, he wanted him to stay.
Don grinned. The man's thoughts were written all over his face. They had found a new home. This time he would be more careful, at least until he was older. Then he could spread misery every waking moment.
Over soup, the man was quiet. He wanted to ask questions, but didn't want to upset the boy while he ate. There would be plenty of time to talk later.
When they finished he cleaned up, and washed the few dishes. Then he looked at the rather meager food supply. Without Mindy and Sean, he tended to live like a bachelor again. Soup, sandwiches, chips, and pop were not suitable meals for a growing boy.
"Greg, would you and Taz be alright alone for a while, if I went shopping? We don't have much food in the fridge."
"We'll be fine. You aren't going to tell anyone, are you?" he asked, fearfully.
"No, of course not. I give you my word. Scout's honor!" he said, grinning.
Don relaxed. "Thanks. I really can't go back there, ever."
"I promise, you'll never have to go anywhere that makes you feel afraid, Greg. Just make yourself at home. The remote is on top of the TV, and the bathroom is at the end of the hall."
"I already feel at home here." he said, hoping that he and Taspirin could avoid the police who were surely searching for him.
"Alright, I'll be back soon. You could come with me, but that would cause some people to ask questions. This is a small town, and everyone knows everyone else's business around here. If the phone rings, let the answering machine get it. And yes, I have one. The town is getting a cell tower next year, but for now we use Old Reliable."
"I can handle that." said Don.
"Is there anything special you want me to get?"
"Could you get some Oreo cookies, pizza, and Trix cereal?"
"If they have any, it's yours."
"Thanks. And thank you for not telling on me..."
Moved, Zach walked out, wiping away a tear after he closed the door. This kid deserved better, and he intended to make sure he got it.
About ten minutes later, the phone rang. He let it go to the answering machine as instructed. He had no desire to let anyone know where he was.
"Hello Zach, it's Mindy. I'm sorry that I left without leaving a note. I'm just over in Wayville, working as a waitress in the diner where we met. If you still want to work things out, I'm ready to talk. And Sean really misses you."
When he heard the click, he walked over to the machine, and deleted the message. Taspirin looked up with a pleased expression.
"We can still have a little fun!" he exclaimed with a grin. If anyone had looked in the window, they would have seen a boy and a puppy, both with glowing red eyes and huge grins...
This is a 100% power up post
Cover image is from Canva, using their gallery
In this story, we covered both the good and bad sides of envy. Zach's feelings of envy were good at first in that they prompted him to help a child in need. He had good motives.
But then as his jealousy of the parents whom he assumed were abusive grew, he decided to help the child in an inappropriate way, by hiding him. This unethical and illegal decision may very well have cost him his last chance at getting his wife and son back.