Schrodinger’s Kid. Is she dead, or isn’t she?

  1. Prompt:

    It’s a beautiful day. While out for a walk, you come across a small child, playing in the mud, naked and alone. When it sees you, it starts to glow.

    I stoop, removing my coat to cover the child. “Who in their right mind lets their kid out to play in the mud naked?” I mutter something unkind about irresponsible parents.

    She looks up at me, surprised I can’t perceive the glow that surrounds us both now.

    “Hey little miss, where’s your Mom?”

    “You’re my Mommy.”

    I kind of laugh it off, I’m a mid-forties woman, who has no need for children and I’m certainly not taking on someone else’s responsibility.

    “Sweetie, I’m not your Mom. Do you remember where you live?”

    “I live with you.”

    I’m starting to get a bit perturbed now. I’ve never really liked kids, and this one is no exception. “Just a minute.” I get out my ancient but effective cell phone and dial in our local emergency number.

    “9-1-1, What is your emergency?”

    “Um. I’m not sure it's exactly an emergency, but I found this lost kid.” I say as I’m looking at the ruddy face of this kid. “She appears to be maybe eight? “Hey, kid, how old are you?”

    “I’m seven.”

    “She says she’s seven.”

    I answer a few more questions about the child and then hang up. There’s no immediate danger, Child Protective Services and the Police are on their way.

    “You realize they’re just gonna put me in a home, where I don’t know anyone, right?”

    I was kind of surprised that a seven year old would have this perception, but given the circumstances, I didn’t think much of it. I stood there shivering, my bare arms bumpy now from the cold wind that has stirred up the tiny hairs on the back of my arms. At least I think it’s the wind.

    “Well, honey, you don’t know that. They should try to find your parents, I’d imagine.”

    “My parents are dead.”

    I’m a little shocked at this, unnerved too, and I laugh uneasily.

    “Hey, now, I thought you said I was your Mom.”

    “Yes, and you’re dead too. You just don’t know it.”

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