“NEIL!” Kass shouted from the kitchen, ”NEIL!”

“WHAT?”

“What is this?”

I brainstormed a number of mysterious items that lurked in my kitchen, “What does it look like?”

Kass stared at the questionable food item “Ummm…It looks like a new born kitten, all gooy and fuzzy.”

Fresh out of the shower I stepped into the kitchen “Get down from there.” Every drawer and cabinet was open and Kass was standing on the counter looking at the containments of a glass jar. I took in the scene with amazement I thought my house could not get messier but kids work miracles.

The kid slid off the counter and handed me the jar, “What is it?” He asked bashfully.

I opened the jar then quickly closed it “It’s trash. Like most of the stuff in this house.” I put the jar back.

“Then why don’t you throw it away?”

I shrugged “Why are you so curios?” I began to fix my kitchen back to the organized chaos I preferred.

“I’m a kid.” He imitated my shrug.

“Do kids always dress like that? If so then there is no way in hell we’re related.” I nodded at his wrinkled button down shirt neatly tucked into kaki slacks that showed too much ankle.

“Do you always dress like that?” He retorted. I was sporting a pair of checkered boxers and slouch socks.

We examined each other for a moment blushed. Then burst into laughter. Was I laughing at him or me?

Dear, diary 10/16/96

I think Neil likes me! He lives in a funny little house like the dwarfs in Snow white. He does not act like other adults or live like other adults. I like it here but I miss mommy. Neil seems more like a brother than a dad….

--

“So what do kids eat for breakfast? Twix?” he picked up a colorful box of cereal. I shock my head looking at all the boxes. Neil had no edible food in his house,so we visited the store for breakfast. I picked a box of cocoa puffs and threw it in the cart.

“$38. 42” said the cashier ring up the last item.

Neil went through his pockets looking for his wallet. Finally, he found it in his coat and to my amazement pulled out a fifty. What kind of job does a guy like him get that pay so much?

……..

After breakfast Neil just sat by his stereo listening to music, entirely ignoring my presence. I am use to being ignored by grown ups, mom barely speaks to me at home but she at least tells me to stop bugging her. Even so, Mommy loves me and keeps an eye on me. Neil closes both of his eyes and blocks me out entirely. I don’t think he is very good with people.

“I’m going on a walk.” I shouted unheard.

Autumn in Arizona is nothing like autumn back home. Here there are no leaves to fall from trees but rolling hills of whistling grass. The wind is strong and dry as dust and the small clouds move quickly across the pale sky. Today, I thought walking through the tall grass, is a good day for an adventure. I had never been on many adventures, but I’ve read about them! New York is a dangerous place for exploring; even the parks are not safe. Mom doesn’t let me leave the apartment alone, and adults aren’t very adventurous.

Knee high grass as far as the eye can see engulfed me. Every direction looked the same, and the sky was turning orange. I started to panic. Which way do I go? Is anyone looking for me? A Dog howled and I ran like the wind. The sky grew darker and all sorts of creatures started appearing in my mind each more frightening than the last and ran faster looking over my shoulder. Without warning, a rock caused me to plunge in to the grass. I knelt there catching my breath and clearing my thoughts.

As my body relaxed a friendly sound mixed with the wind. Guitars, a harmonica, and a keyboard played in the distance.

“I was born in a desert…

I was raised in a lion’s den.”

Kass walk towards the voice.

“Born in the desert

Raised in a lions den.”

A light shone in the night.

“My number one occupation-

Stealing women from other men…”

Kass stood just out side the light watching the musicians perform for the creatures of the night.

“Well, I’m a wanted man in Texas, busted jail and I’m gone for good.

Said, I’m a wanted man in Texas, busted jail and I’m gone for good.

Well the sheriff couldn’t catch me,

But his little girl sure wish she could”

The group of young men didn’t notice the little onlooker dancing in the shadows. They had a deserted barn all to themselves; it was crocked and splintered but they played as if it was stage glittering with lights. There was no one but Kass for miles but to them there was a cheering crowd.

“Well the doctor calls me crazy, sometimes I am sometimes I ain’t.”

Said, the doctor-

One by on the music stopped and the men stared at the darkness where a yelp had interrupted the song. “What was that?” the bass player asked.