Written for Stratego - Table Two [Alys vs. Haley].
Tom watched Robbie leave the orphanage. He ignored the tightness in his throat as he watched him go. So what if Robbie found himself a family, a life, some happiness? That would happen to Tom soon enough.
It would have to. Robbie Jenkins was a bratty little six-year-old who ate paste and could barely read. Tom was seven and "very advanced for his age," according to Mr. Reynolds. He didn't see why it had taken him so long in the first place.
It was only a matter of time. Tom imagined what they were going to be like. They would smart and older. They would give him all the books he wanted, and tell him how clever he was.
Tom just wondered what was taking them so long.