John and Emily, a couple in their twenties living in New York, were happy when their son Kyle was born. They lived near a local gang, however, and when Kyle was fourteen and almost in high school, a gangster
shot him. The gangster was arrested, but both parents were devastated. They mourned for their son. John recovered after a month, but Emily couldn't forget what happened to the only child she ever had. John
didn't want Emily to be sad, so he made a decision which he thought would cheer her up.
a month later
"I'm adopting a child." John said as he entered the room.
Emily was shocked. "What! You think we can replace Kyle? Kyle was my only child, the only…”
“The kid’s name is Matthew, he is coming from Texas, his parents were killed only a month ago, just like Kyle. He knows what it’s like to have a dead family member; he has no one else for him. Matthew likes the
same sports as Kyle and he is the same age. He is just entering high school. He already has confirmed he would like to be our child; in fact, the adoption manager told me Matthew was enthusiastic to have new
parents.”
Emily just stared at John angrily. “Fine, do what you want, but I want no part in taking care of someone who isn’t Kyle.” Then she left the room.
John sighed. Emily would have to get over it. He would be picking Matthew up from the airport in a week. Perhaps by then, Emily would have changed her mind.