*****
As Shelly reached for her purse and briefcase on the passenger seat, she noticed Nick standing in the distance, staring at the grounds. She walked up behind him. “Can I help you?” Nick turned. He looked embarrassed to be caught off guard. “Oh, you’re here to see the kids? Is that it?”
“To be honest, I didn’t know this was here.” He pointed at the playground. “I really came to ask you if we could start over and maybe get to know each other. I think I gave you the wrong impression at the reception.”
“So you show up at seven in the morning to, what, bump into
me? That’s almost stalking, Mr. Harris.”
Nick grimaced. “I’m am not a stalker. I just couldn’t figure out another way to talk to you. I know you’re very busy—”
“Yes, I am busy with them.” She gestured toward the playground. “You see those kids? Those are the fortunate ones. They have no clue what’s in store for them. So they play. The ones in the wheelchairs are lucky enough to at least get outside for some fresh air for a few minutes. We bring them out in the morning because that's the only time it’s cool enough. And those behind the glass,” she continued, looking up at the building behind them, “those are the ones really fighting for their lives. All they can do is hope that one day they will be like these children down here. We spend our days trying to get those kids up there down here on the playground.
“Then there’s me, Mr. Harris. I am a living, breathing example that you can get past all of this. So, I choose to spend my time helping these kids be like me and have a future. The way I do that is to concentrate on them. I don’t do much socializing. Nothing personal. I just work with my kids. So if you’re looking for a date, Mr. Harris, you’ve come to the wrong place. Not interested. If you want to help with the Foundation, that’s great. Just let us know. Good day.”
As she turned to walk away, Nick finally spoke.
“You were here in 1972, weren’t you, Doctor?”
She stopped and faced him, but as she spoke, she slowly backed toward the staff entrance. “Yes, I believe that’s what I told you the other night.”