I suppose I should have mentioned this all happened the beginning of July. It only seems important now because of what happens next. The land around this dock has always been very cheap, and the taxes very low. So it was no surprise that Bradock’s Orphanage stood nearby. Nor was it any surprise the orphanage itself was over crowded. But what was poor Mr. Bradock to do? He was a kind man with a good heart. He could not turn away a single soul left to his care. And contrary to belief, he was not a mis-manager of money. In fact he was a wizard at it, so to speak. He fed and clothed over forty children with only enough money for twenty. They might not have much, but no child ever died of starvation and no child ever failed in school.
I had just shut the door and glanced up at the round clock hanging above the fireplace. As soon as the second hand clicked nine o’clock, the place came alive. My jaw dropped, as I watched the lights slowly fade on. The dust sheets that covered all the junk slowly fell to the floor, then faded into the carpet. Feather dusters took to flight on their own, and began to dust all the furnishings and knickknacks. Dark red velvet drapes began to draw themselves, and now I could see twelve windows on the side of the building. It was just the one room with everything crowded in it and barely a pathway from door to door. A room and the stairs leading up to the empty room. By nine thirty the locks on both doors clicked, the fireplace lit itself, and the inside of the shop was ready for customers. I noticed a nice comfortable sitting chair and small table by the fireplace. I sat down and drank the rest of my coffee in peace.
Just as I had set down my empty mug, I heard the whispers outside the back door. When I reached the back door I noticed a peephole was there now.
There was a group of what looked like six or seven boys all pushed in near the door. The tallest had dark brown hair, the one next to him was wearing a old ratted hat. The others were weaving and bobbing too fast in and out of view to really get a good look at them.
“So where is Marco?”, said the first boy who was older than the rest.
“Scrub duty.”
A barrage of “Uuuggs and eeewws” followed softly.
“That’s better than Marissa.” the second voice scolded them, “She’s mopping the kitchen floor.”
“Yeeaaah.” the first voice began to blow him off. “But that’s girls work anyway.”
A distinct loud noise came from behind the whole crowd. It was almost like a Humph, and a click, and loud exhaustion of air all at once. “I’ll show YOU girls work, Grody Bradenstien!” A chunky red headed girl aged about nine, began pushing her way to the front. I watched her crack her knuckles as she stood in front of everyone. She obviously was no orphan. She was well fed, her clothes were clean and new. Her hair was wild from roughhousing no doubt, but you could see her freckles clearly on her clean skin.
“That’s GRADY!” The boy yelled back at her. He was taller but he was thin, I am guessing she could take him.
I quickly opened the back door, “Well Grady, What are all of you doing behind my store?”
“Nothing” the second voice popped out.
I glanced down at what I could have sworn was a five year old. He had dirt worn cheeks and overalls falling off his right shoulder. “How old are you people?”I began eyeing them suspiciously. ‘Who was watching these children anyway?’ I thought.
A loud sound of different numbers rose up in the air like a small storm and quickly ended.
“Right.” I let out a short breath. “But it sounded like one of you said they were four.” I could hear girls giggling in the back. “Where are you’re parents?”
“We ain’t got no parents.” mouthed off Grady.
“You don’t have any parents, so where are your guardians?” I mimicked.
Grady rolled his eyes and crossed his arms, taking a defensive stance.
“Right.” I watched him. “Look, you’re standing here at my back door. For no reason at all. Most of you are under age. And I think some of you should know the law by now. I’m not saying you should go, I’m just asking why are you here. You are giving me the run around, and I have been straight forward with you. Now tell me, is that fair or just?”
“No.” he loosened his stance.
“We’re just curious is all.” the red haired girl explained.
“That’s all you had to say.” I moved away from the entrance. “Do you want to come in and look around? Satisfy your curiosity?”
They ran in like there was no tomorrow, didn’t have to ask them twice did you. When I walked in I noticed where I had sat my mug down, there was a plate of fresh baked sugar cookies. A platter of mugs filled with hot chocolate sat on a coffee table, where the chair had been. Imagine that I thought, ‘ two cookies per person, and one mug of chocolate each.’ As strange as that might be, the stranger thing was something completely unrelated. The inside of the shop is always as cold as Christmas in the mountains. It’s always so cold in fact I expect to see snow outside, except there is no air conditioning unit.
After they ate their cookies and drank their cocoa all the children, filed out one by one. The smallest of the group, who’s name was ‘Chillus’ was actually five years old. As Chillus was leaving he turned back at the doorknob after grabbing it. His cheeks pulled so far up from the smile he had, they looked even dirtier than before. Or maybe it was from the cookies. He waved, and the strap from his overalls flapped like an old flag. “See you tomorrow.” he shouted.
Before I could get in a word one way or the other, he had the door closed behind him. I laughed to myself, ‘ maybe tomorrow they can get healthier food.’ Then I glanced at the fading green wallpaper.
“Did you hear that?” I asked the walls. Well, if you’re going to be crazy you might as well go all the way. “I want fresh sandwiches tomorrow, full of lettuce and tomatoes.” In front of the fireplace was again the chair and small table. I added in a “Please.” before I sat down on the chair. “Well anyway, if it works it works, if it doesn’t you can’t say I didn’t try.” I muttered more to myself than the walls.
I have to say the rest of the day was uneventful. I watched the dust particles swim through the air most of the day. I wondered off and on why there were so many windows on the side and front of the shop. Then as the clock struck five O’clock I decided to look… and look I did.
