Learning that his child was born with a disability, his mother wrote a refusal form eleven years ago. Sam sees that document when he drops off personal files at the local NHS clinic. The nurse hands him a bundle of folders and tells him to follow her, but the phone rings, she darts off, waving him toward the clinic and says, You go on your own. She never imagines that Sam will open the file that bears his surname and read his mothers refusal statement.
In orphanages the children wait for their parents, but Sam has stopped waiting. He has stopped crying too. His heart has hardened, wearing an iron shell that shields him from other kids teasing, loneliness, and neglect. Each orphanage has its own customs.
On the eve of New Year, every resident writes a letter to Father Christmas. The director forwards the letters to donors, who try their best to grant the wishes. Some letters even reach the Royal Air Force squadron. Most children ask for the same miracle: to find a mum and a dad. The staff who open those letters stare blankly, puzzling over what gifts to supply.
One day, aircraft engineer Major Chapman receives such a letter. He slips it into his flight jacket pocket, intending to read it at home and discuss possible presents with his wife and daughter. That evening, while the family sits down for dinner, he remembers the note, opens it, and reads aloud: Dear adults, if you can, please give me a laptop. Dont spend money on toys or clothes. We have everything we need here. With the internet I can make friends and maybe even find people who are like family. The signature at the bottom reads, Sam Ivlev, 11 years old.
Thats something, his wife says, Kids are clever these days. He really could meet anyone online. Their daughter Poppy narrows her eyes, rereads the letter, then thinks aloud. Dad, he isnt really hoping to find his parents, she says, Hes not looking for them because they dont exist. The laptop is his lifeline out of solitude. He writes find friends or people like family. Strangers can become family, too. Lets take the money from my piggy bank, buy him a laptop, and give it to him together.
The New Year celebration at the orphanage proceeds as usual. Theres a performance, then Father Christmas and his helper light the Christmas tree. Sponsors hand out gifts, and occasionally some families take children for a weekend stay. Sam, as always, expects no one to notice him; the staff usually pick the prettiest girls, overlooking the boys.
He wrote his letter simply because everyone else did. Today, among the guests, he spots a man in an RAF uniform. His heart flutters, but he looks away and exhales quietly. After receiving a bag of sweets, the limping boy heads for the exit.
Sam Ivlev! a voice calls, and he turns. Standing behind him is the same RAF officer. Sam freezes, unsure what to do.
Hello, Sam, the officer says. We got your letter and want to give you a present. First, lets get to know each other. Im Andrew, but you can call me Uncle Andrew.
Beside him stands a striking woman. Im Aunt Natalie, she says.
And Im Poppy, the girl smiles. Were the same age, you know.
Im Sam, he replies.
Poppy wants to ask something, but the man hands Sam a box. This is for you. Come with us to a room and well show you how the laptop works.
They enter an empty study where the other children do their evening lessons. Poppy demonstrates how to power the laptop on and off, log in, browse the web, and she registers him on a social network. Uncle Andrew sits nearby, offering occasional guidance. Sam feels the warmth, strength, and protection of the adults around him. The girl chatters nonstop, but Sam notes shes not whiny; shes savvy with the laptop and active in a sports club. When they part, Aunt Natalie hugs him, her perfume leaving a faint, pleasant scent that tickles his nose and eyes. Sam pauses, breath held, then exhales and walks down the corridor without looking back.
Well visit again soon! Poppy shouts.
Sams life changes dramatically. He no longer worries about nicknames or the other kids. The internet provides a wealth of useful information. He has long been fascinated by aircraft; he learns that the first massproduced military transport was the Antonov An8, designed by Antonov, and that the An25 is a variant.
On weekends Uncle Andrew and Poppy drop by. Sometimes they go to the circus, play arcade games, or share ice cream. Sam feels shy and uncomfortable when they pay for everything.
One crisp morning, the headmistress summons him to her office. He walks in and sees Aunt Natalie. His heart skips a beat and his throat tightens.
Sam, the headmistress says, Natalie Thompson asks to take you out for two days with her. If you agree, Ill grant the leave.
Its Aviation Day today, she continues. Uncle Andrews unit is holding a big celebration. Hed love you to attend. Will you go?
Sam nods eagerly, unable to speak.
Very well, Aunt Natalie says, signing a form.
Joyful, Sam follows her out of the office, hand in hand. Their first stop is a large clothing store where they buy him jeans and a shirt. Seeing his battered trainers, Natalie leads him to the shoe department. Finding the right size is tricky because his feet are mismatched.
Its okay, she assures him. After the event well visit an orthopaedic centre and order custom boots. One will have a special sole so your legs are level and youll hardly limp, and no one will notice.
Next they swing by a barbershop, then home to fetch Poppy. For the first time Sam steps out of the orphanages gates. He has never lived in a house, never known a familys everyday comforts. The scent of home, warmth, and belonging wraps around him. He timidly sits on the edge of a sofa and looks around. Directly in front of him stands a huge aquarium filled with colourful fishsomething hes only ever seen on television.
Im ready, Poppy says. Lets go, Sam. Mum will catch up with us.
They ride the lift down and head to the car. Near the playground a little boy watches them. When he sees them, he shouts, Look, a lamppostgrandma, grandpa!
Hold on a second, Poppy says, walking over. In an instant she spins, and the boy tumbles into the sandbox.
Whats wrong? he asks, lying in the sand. I was just kidding.
Joke somewhere else, she replies.
The airfield is painted in bright colours. Uncle Andrew meets them and takes them to see his aircraft. Sams breath catches when he gazes at the massive silver plane up close; his soul is struck by its power. Later, during the air show, people stare at the sky, wave, and shout with delight. When Uncle Andrews plane roars overhead, Poppy waves and cries, Dads flying! Dad!
Sam jumps clumsily, shouting, Dad! Look, dads flying!
He doesnt notice the girl beside him fall silent, watching her mother wipe away tears.
That evening, after dinner, Andrew sits beside Sam and puts an arm around his shoulders.
You know, he says, we believe everyone should live in a family. Only within a family can you truly learn love, care for each other, protect one another, and feel loved. Do you want to be part of ours?
A tight knot rises in Sams throat, choking his breath. He leans into the man and whispers, Dad, Ive always waited for you.
A month later, a smiling Sam bids farewell to the orphanage. He steps down from the porch proudly, holding his fathers hand, barely limping, and walks toward the exit. They pause at the gate. Sam looks back, scans the building, and waves to the children and staff on the porch.
Now well cross that line into a new life, his father says. Forget the bad things that happened here, but remember those who stood on the porch. They helped you survive. Always be grateful to those who helped you.
