For much of the past week, seven-year old Merrick has been the sole child at home after school. HWCBN has had debate tournaments and other activities; the Diva has rehearsal and performances.
Every day, Merrick asks where his big brother and sister are --and when they'll be home. He does his homework, practices the violin and then pretty much creates mayhem, mostly with the sixty-five (he grew) blood hound puppy.
Merrick: "But I'm all alone hewe!"
The Matron is fully aware that when Merrick is 13, he'll be alone. Scarlett and Stryker -- if the college path plan works out (and believe her, it will) -- will be gone. Merrick will spend the last five years of his life in his parents' house alone with the elderly, pining for visits from the much older siblings.
And today, watching him sit forlornly on the couch, wondering where the big kids are, the Matron saw his future -- and hers.
