So. Let me tell you about something that happened to me today. I was upstairs looking out the window at about 9.30. It is cold here in Melbourne... It was probably about ten degrees at the time (it's thirteen degrees in Fitzroy now, according to The Age). We live over the road from the Housing Commission flats and there is a playground directly opposite us. Lots of really great families and people live in those flats. In the Summer and after school the playground is a hive of activity. Those families and people are often out and about doing good stuff and hanging out in the neighbourhood. This morning there was a child sitting on the swings. He was alone. There was no one else in the playground. He was wearing a parka and shorts. I could see from my window that he had no shoes on.
He was swinging backwards and forwards, just a titch, with his head down, trailing his bare feet through the tan bark. Hmm. I watched him for a little while, made some tea, did a few things and came downstairs. It was about 10.15 now. I looked out my downstairs shop window. He was still there, swinging and trailing. So I got my keys, stepped outside, locked my door and walked over to the playground. I walked up to him slowly, from the front. I said 'Hey! I live over there, and I noticed you were here by yourself. Are you okay?' He said 'Yes.' I said 'Are you sure you are okay, because it's pretty cold and you don't have any shoes on.' He said 'I'm okay.' I reckon he was about 12. I said 'See that building over there, number 63? That's where I live. If you need anything at all or any help, just come and see me'. He looked down at his mobile phone, and then back up at me. 'Okay. Thanks.' He said.
So I walked away. As I walked away I could see a police car pull up a bit further down the street. The policemen were moving along some drunk blokes. I walked inside and shut the door. I looked out the window and the boy was still swinging. Hmm. Gulp. Worry. I went back out and walked down the street to let the policemen know about the boy and the worry and the cold feet. They said they'd go and have a chat to him.
A few minutes later, I saw them approach the boy, who was obviously a bit nervous about this. He backed away a bit. They all chatted for a while. Then the policemen (keeping their distance and in a very non threatening and pal-like way) slowly walked the boy back towards the flats. And that is where it ends.
I don't really know why he was in the park, or what had happened, or where his shoes were. I don't know why he wasn't at school, but he seemed like a great kid. Really sweet and polite too. The police left about 20 minutes later, without the boy, so I am thinking they sorted things out.
I feel a bit sad that the boy had to be escorted back home by the police. And I think it would have been a bit scary and embarrassing for him. Policeman can seem very scary when they are approaching, even to an adult. But I felt it would be wrong not to get involved. I wanted to be sure that someone was looking out for that good kid. I wish I could have given him a bit of a squeeze and a cup of tea... and some socks... without seeming like a weirdo lady. I wish I could have sorted his problem out for him, without having to get the boys in blue to help. But sometimes those things are not possible...
What would you have done? Would you get involved?
xx Pip
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