"Bye Sam!" I called out, walking out the door for work. I thought I heard a grumbled, "Bye Luce.", but I may be wrong.
I work at an ice cream stand out side of a zoo. I know, not the most glamorous job I could find but for the time being it would do. I loved to watch the customers and create their life stories.
One young lady bought an ice cream for her young son, but she looked distantly in all directions. I imagined her worrying about the safety of the little boy's father in some war zone.
Next came two teenagers, a couple by the looks of it. She clung to his arm, looking into his eyes with pure adoration, and he wore a smug but clearly happy smile. I wondered if this was their first date, and it was up to him to plan it. Although she seemed thoroughly pleased, I doubted that the zoo was the most romantic date.
About an hour later, a group of 5 approached my stand. There were 2 adults, and 3 children. You could see the resemblance in one of the children and the adults. I assumed it must be the largest of the boy's birthday, and the other two were his friends. That's why it surprised me when the "parents" ordered 2 large ice creams and never ever asked what the 3 boy wanted. He was a peculiar child, thin, dressed all in oversized clothing, with a scar shaped like a lightening bolt on his forehead.
Knowing they would walk away without ordering him something, I asked what the boy would want. They quickly ordered him the least expensive thing I sold, a lemon pop. I knew the adults were not happy, but the young boy flashed me a quick smile, before turning to glare at them again. He looked so unhappy.
On my way home, I thought about that young boy. Who was he? Where did he get that scar? Why was he so discontented with those people? And mainly- How would he turn out? Who would he become someday?