"Why?" said James, quite confused. "Is there drink in your home?"

He looked at the boy confused. "No, but they may try to take you back or break in and hurt me for taking you." Certainly that mother of his was always unpredictable.

"Oh..." James said, quite confused. "Why would they want me back?"

Elijah sighed. "Because your mother does care and love you when she remembers you exist and you aren't between her and a bottle."

"Oh.. but she can still do that, right?" the child said. "Are we going to eat something now? I'm hungry."

Elijah shook his head as they walked. "If you want to be adopted you have to separate from her. She won't be your mother any more when it comes through."

He pointed ahead in the direction of his house. "I will cook you something when we get there."

James suddenly stopped in his tracks. He hadn't really thought that part of being adopted through. "But I will still go home sometimes, won't I?"

Elijah frowned sadly, "You'll... have a new home.." He sighed and knelt down. "You have until June to think about it, alright? You can't have two families. And I honestly think you'll be happy with a new family who can give you attention."

James stood very still. He frowned. And frowned deeper. "... I'm tired now."

Elijah nodded. "Want me to walk you back to your home so you can rest? It is ok, it is a big decision. One a child shouldn't have to be making."