An Orphan Story

Halfway through scrambled eggs and grits, my quiet morning broke apart. Out front, kids spilled over the sidewalks into the street, yelling and punching each other. Drivers slammed on brakes and hit their horns. The kids ignored them.

“Who are they?” I couldn’t take my eyes off the front window.

“Orphans, from the Children’s Home on Main Street,” Mother said. “Children are orphaned when their parents die, or can’t care for them.” Mother stubbed out her cigarette. “Or don’t want them. Go brus...