Sir… That Boy Lives in My House
Part 1 – The Girl Who Changed Everything
The rain came down in a fine, relentless mist, coating the streets of the Bronx in a dull silver sheen. It wasn’t heavy enough to send people running for cover, but it soaked through coats, dampened shoes, and settled into the bones of anyone who stayed outside too long.
Alessandro Moretti pressed the final corner of a missing-child poster against a rusted lamp post.
His fingers lingered for a moment, smoothing the paper as if that small gesture could somehow bring his son home.
The photograph showed a little boy with dark curls, solemn brown eyes, and a gray stuffed elephant tucked beneath one arm.
MATEO MORETTI – AGE FIVE
MISSING SINCE NOVEMBER 12
Alessandro himself had approved every word on the poster. His advisers had suggested softer language, hoping to spare him additional pain.
He refused.
« Missing » was already generous.
