The Devil Wore a Child’s Smile

My son was still young, but after thinking it over, he seemed to understand where I was coming from.

“I’ll listen to you, Dad.”

I let out a sigh of relief.

But then Tyrell’s eyes started to turn red.

He struggled to wheel himself over in front of us.

“Sir… life here ain’t what you think. Folks donate what they can, but it’s barely enough. I was born like this—I can’t walk, so I can’t fight the other kids for stuff. And the director? He only really look out for the healthy ones. They got a shot at gettin’ adopted. Ain’t nobody checkin’ for somebody like me.”

“It’s been years, and y’all the only ones who ever really talked to me… or got me somethin’. If y’all don’t take me this time… I might not even be here next time you come around.”

“I’m beggin’ you, alright? Sir, I know y’all doin’ good. Takin’ care of me wouldn’t even be that hard. I could help out around the house, look after your son—I’ll do whatever. I ain’t scared of hard work.”

That calculating look in his eyes sent a chill down my spine.

I took a step back and pulled my son close to me.

“I already told you—it’s not gonna happen. We’re not taking you in. Yeah, we’re doing okay, but that didn’t fall from the sky. We worked for it. Helping you is kindness, not an obligation. Just because I have money doesn’t mean I’m gonna spend it on strangers. I’m not some saint.

“And we already give you 100 bucks every week as allowance. That’s more than enough for you to live on. Don’t push it.”

Without waiting for his response, I turned and left with my son.

Cecily followed closely behind, not really understanding why I acted that way—but she’s always backed me no matter what.

While she was getting the car ready, Alfie and I stood outside soaking up the sun.

Then I felt it—that cold, venomous stare from behind.

I turned my head—Tyrell was at the window, staring straight at me.

He switched expressions fast—pleading and pitiful.

But I caught it—that flash of something cruel and twisted like he had already made up his mind to get what he wanted.

I frowned and rushed my son into the car.

Even then, I was still shaken. Cold sweat broke out on my forehead.

Cecily handed me a tissue and asked, confused, “Are you okay today? You don’t seem like yourself. Tyrell’s just a kid, why take him so seriously?”

My son looked up at me, clearly upset.

“Dad, you were kinda scary today…”

I forced myself to relax, gently patting his head.

“Alfie, it’s good to help people, but we have to know who we’re helping. Some people are grateful, others bite the hand that feeds them.

“You’re still young, but you’ll get it one day. Everything I do—it’s to protect this family.”

Seeing the doubt in Cecily’s eyes,

I told her everything from my past life like it was just a news story.

How someone adopted an orphan out of kindness, only to have that kid destroy their whole family.

She frowned deeply and said, “There’s actually people like that? I’m sorry—I shouldn’t have questioned you.

“You’ve got a point. Alfie’s our priority. We should focus on him. Other kids… They have nothing to do with our family.”

Hearing her say that, I leaned back in the passenger seat and closed my eyes.

But inside, I was still uneasy.

Tyrell, at such a young age, already knew how to fake a disability just to survive.

‘That kind of trick… If he’s got his eyes on us, there’s no way he’s giving up that easily. Looks like we won’t be visiting that orphanage again.’

Thankfully, his fake ID says he’s 17. Once he turns 18, the orphanage will have to let him go.

At that point, he won’t need to be adopted, and this whole mess should blow over.