He was just the boy next door to me. I never took the time to look further. But then in my defense I was truly very busy with my new job and new life. I had moved into the residential complex about six months ago. I had just gotten employed and was in a relationship with the girl of my dreams. Life was starting to look up for me. Now that I think about it, I remember him a little clearer. I had almost tripped over this little, runny nose African boy who was sitting on the steps that led up to my flat. He could not have been more than three or four years old. He had smiled and then run off. I remember that moment because he had the whitest set of teeth that stood out in stark contrast to his dark complexion. During that first month of me moving in, I found out that he and his single mum were my next door neighbours. I think the most conversation I had with his mum was a "Hello", if we ever happened to bump into each other on the stairway. That first month was very hectic for me. I had to settle into a routine with work and a new independent life and was constantly lost in my own thoughts. I remember then that I always seemed to be tripping over this little boy who somehow managed to be in the oddest and unexpected places. He would give a high pitched laugh and run away, carefree and happy. I, on the other hand, did not find it funny and would yell at him. I even went to the extent of complaining to his mum. I rarely saw the little boy after that. I did not think anything of it. After all, he was just the annoying little boy next door. During the second month, I noticed that a man had begun to live with the little boy and his mum. I had seen him before when I had first moved in and then not again until now. Time went by and my career took flight. I was on cloud nine. Everything in my life was perfect. I saw the little boy once again. He did not look like the same happy and carefree child as before, but I did notice. I did notice the tear stains on his cheeks. I did not notice the fear in his once happy eyes. I did not notice the burn marks on his hands and legs. I just walked passed him trying not to trip...
Time passes by so quickly. Today there are policemen at my neighbours flat. Someone is shouting. I look through my window and see that man being escorted in handcuffs. Now I hear someone crying. After about twenty minutes, I see the little boy being carried by his mum and escorted by paramedics and a group of other people whom I do not recognise. And then all is quiet again.I bump into the complex supervisor later that day and ask him what all the commotion had been about. "Child Abuse."; is all he says and goes on his way. I just stand there, stunned. How could I have been so blind? But then, he was just the boy next door and I had been busy making my life PERFECT !
