SOLVED. short story about an escaped alien (?) befriending a boy [s]

[Ranjini Mohan]

Not sure if this is by Stephen King but could not find it in his short stories. This a lovely story of a boy whose single mum disapproves of his friendship with this man who moves into their building. This man has escaped from another world but has a gift for empathy. The mother goes on a weekend office trip and gets raped. In order for there not to be spoilers, I can say there are adverts around the neighbourhood about missing dogs.

[Ranjini Mohan]

Thank you so much! I remembered something about yellow coats but felt silly posting that! Will read it again now.