The two headed downstairs to the main lounge. Tons of seniors rested on chairs, while others watched TV from another side of the room. As Emily led Richard to the kitchen, she explained this is a retirement home and her job is to take care of the people living here as well as the new ones that would come over occasionally.

Emily taught him how to cook specific meals using certain tools and pour them into trays. She also explained to him that particular color-coordinated food is usually for a specific person and gave Richard a list on which dishes go to who.

He went to work, taking the trays to different people in the lounging area. Aside from getting the wrong orders, Richard stayed consistent with the rules, not tripping or spilling the food, and did the tasks with ease. Emily observed the performance from the kitchen counter and was impressed by his skills, feeling he had the potential for something more.

After they both finished with the shifts, Emily called Richard over to ask another little favor.

“I got to go out and get some supplies.” Emily began. “Could you stay here and guard the place? I’m worried about these people...”

“Well,” Richard pondered. “Why don’t I go and get them—?”

“No way, you’re not ready for that yet.” Emily interrupted. “Considering what happened the last time you went outside...”

“Oh, yeah, right...”

“It’s dangerous out there; you never know what you could run into. I mean, I can handle myself just fine, but you, on the other hand...”

“Alright fine, I’ll stay.”

“Good.” Emily bent down to reach his level. “Trust me; it’ll be a big help. When I get back, I can make you a hearty meal.” She patted his head and rubbed his hair. “I won’t be gone long.” She got up and headed for the door.

“But wait, what should I do until you return?” Richard asked.

“Whatever you want, Ritchie.” Emily smiled and left.

Don’t need to give me a nickname.

Richard looked around this new place he found himself in. He rested on one of the recliner chairs next to an older woman, who stared at the blank television screen.

“Oh, what am I to do?” She muttered.

Richard glanced over at her. “Want me to turn on the TV?”

“No, my favorite show is on.”

“Ok, if you say so.” A bit of silence filled the air. “Um, do you need something?”

“Oh, not really.”

“If you’re troubled, I could always help, Emily put me in charge after all.”

“Emily, huh?” Her voice sounded bitter upon uttering the name. She shuddered, then turned to him with a small smile. “She must trust you a great deal if she put you in charge.”

What’s that supposed to mean? I can’t tell if this lady is praising or insulting me. And why was her tone involving Emily so—?

“Will you shut it?” An older man retorted while holding out his cane. “I’m trying to die over here!” He rested in his recliner and pulled back.

“What the heck is that guy’s problem?” Richard hissed, throwing his arm in the air.

“Please don’t worry about him.” Another older man reassured him. “He does that occasionally, just ignore him.”

“Ok?”

After a while of waiting and snacking from the refrigerator, Richard jogged around the open space areas with his arms spread wide as he skipped along the floorboards. However, he came across a bump in the rug and tripped on the floor. He tumbled across and looked over at his leg, finding that he had a slight scrape on his leg, and whimpered.

The door opened as Emily entered with some bags in her hands. “I’m back, so how are—?” She looked down to find Richard on the floor. She dropped her stuff and rushed over to him. “Are you alright?”

“I don’t know.” Richard went to touch his leg, but pulled back and flinched.

Emily took some bandages and ointments out from her kit to treat his wound and have him rest in a recliner chair, pulling it back.

Later, in the day, Emily moved the table close to him as he rested. She prepared a meal and included some drinks on the side, as thanks for the big help earlier.

“Whoa, this is a lot.” Richard eyed the table, his mouth getting watery just looking at the delicacies. “Is this all for me?”

“Of course,” Emily replied with a nod. “Boys like you need to eat and grow up to be big and strong.” She acknowledged.

Richard’s eyes widened as he took his first bite and let it all sink in. He got misty-eyed, recalling the memories of back in his mansion where he didn’t feel respected or appreciated. Richard felt like he had reached the love and attention he wanted under the roof all along. Emily watched with content as he helped himself to what he could call true luxury and compassion. He had no desire to go back.