William has been staying with us for the past couple days. His mother's S.O. had a death in the family and it was felt that it would probably be better if William just spent a couple days here with us. We are never going to turn down time with a grandson. Since William goes to school right around the corner from where we live, I just walk over to the school to pick him up, waiting for him at the end of the bridge.
Yesterday we walked home and William decided to just go to our house rather than accompany me to the renovation, so he went one way, and I continued down the street. I noticed a boy about William's age, 11 or 12, walking alone. The thing about him was that he noticed me and gave a friendly wave and said hello. As he continued down the street, he greeted Tim and our tenant Paula who were visiting in front of one of the rentals as well.
I thought to myself, "He seems like an awfully nice kid, and he's probably new to the area."
Today, I saw him again, and once again, he said hi and waved. So I talked with him, asking him if he were new. He said he was, and gave his name as 'Dante'. I said, "I have a grandson named William. He's not always at our house but" - and I told him where we live - "you're welcome to stop by and see if he's there. He likes to bike ride, and the bike trail is a fun ride." He said "Okay," in a cheerful voice and continued on.
I waited for William who takes his time. When we finally met up, I told him about the new kid.
Later, I saw Dante walking as I was pulling into the renovation. William was in the passenger seat of the car, and I thought to introduce the two boys.
"Dante," I called.
He looked back, broke into a dead run, and disappeared around the corner.
In these days of stranger-danger, you cannot call to a kid from a car. Big no-no. I probably scared him to death.
I feel awful. I wish that I knew where he lived so I could explain to his parents.
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