I tried to choke back my tears, not very successfully, as Marius continued to explain what had happened. No cake and ice cream, no balloons, no presents, no celebration for this 14 year old boy trying to grow up, one day at a time. Happy Birthday, Marius, I love you, our Lord knows you and loves you. I asked where the other boys were. They were already back on the streets, begging money.
Life goes on.
I was going downtown with a girl named Doris who lives in the block next to me. She and I have become friends over the summer. She speaks English very well and has become fascinated with the pictures I've shown her and with the stories I have told her about the cave kids. She wanted to go with me that morning to change money and help buy food for the boys. As we were turning a corner, Doris spotted Jacomin, recognizing him from my pictures.