It was well past ten o’clock by the time Cedric returned to the hotel, just in time to pack the remainder of his belongings. He really didn’t have much in the way of personal items save for a suitcase full of clothes and personal care items, a backpack that had what he thought he would need including his wallet, and a red toolbox. How he had managed to get that thing past the front desk was beyond even the wildest imaginations of any rational human being. But once the receptionist saw his prosthetics, it was no longer deemed an issue.

  The very least, he was extremely grateful for that.

  Once the final zip of the suitcase was made, Cedric heaved a breath he didn’t realize he had been holding this whole time. This was it. After tonight, he was no longer a resident of the hotel. The staff told him that he would need to be out by early morning, so there was some time to kill before then.

  Cedric stretched. Now was as good a time as any to get a better look at the flyer. Fishing it out of his pocket, the curious teen opened the flyer, eye growing wide as he scanned the article.

  At first, he had hoped that the flyer was going to advertise a hotel business that had just opened. But his smile never faded. It wasn’t a hotel being advertised, but it was still an opportunity.

  The flyer was cream colored with a dark green border. Rainforest leaves decorated the corners of the ad while in the center of the page was an Animalia child wearing a tribal mask and enjoying themselves. In bold exotic text read the words:

                                                           Welcome

                                                                 To

                                           Kenya’s Child Care Center!

  Stubs were freshly cut at the bottom of the ad. One side had the question ‘Need work?’ while the other side of the stub had contact information. It was simultaneously an advertisement for both the business and hiring opportunities. And it was for childcare too!

  Cedric did have some experience in that department… but only for babysitting. He had never worked at a daycare before. The idea was intimidating all on its own. The smile softened but never left his face.

  Intimidating or not, Cedric was good with kids. Being around them was exhausting, yes, but it was all worth it in the end. It reminded him of the times he spent with his own family before-

  …

  The smile finally faded away, head somberly lowered in deep thought. He didn’t like thinking about that incident. Too many painful memories…

  Unconsciously, Cedric gently touched his prosthetic eye. The other hand rested on his left leg, picking at the fabric of his work pants.

  Stop.

  He shook his head, clearing his mind. It wouldn’t do any good to think about the past now. It was a long time ago… and he had bigger things to worry about.

  Mind set, Cedric ripped off one of the stubs. Once morning came, he would call the number and (hopefully) set up a possible appointment. He really needed the second job. Didn’t matter who hired him, Animalia or not, he was going to do whatever this job required him to do!

  After all, what could possibly go wrong?