A magical night in the big apple

“The Curious Incident of the Dog” using Christopher and “A Long Way Gone” using Ishmael
Setting- Time Square in New York City

Christopher had never met Ishmael before. His knowledge of countries and world capitals provided some knowledge of Sierra Leone. Yes, Christopher had experienced death before. The death of his dog, Wellington, the death of his pet rat, Toby, and the supposed death of his mother, but nothing had prepared him for the deaths he heard about during the Civil War in Africa starting in 1993.

Christopher and Ishmael met quite by accident. Both boys had been picked to be part of a special project developed by the United Nations. Originally, the project was to focus on children who had been part of the war; those children who had witnessed horrible atrocities, and yet were able to survive. The United Nations later decided to include children who exhibited special gifts. Christopher was chosen because he had special gifts. A gift that Christopher was not so sure was a good thing. Christopher suffered from a disorder known as autism, which in itself can make social interactions difficult. He was also a gifted mathematician and a devote puzzle solver. The executives at the United Nations felt children, no matter what their obstacles were, could come to together to heal one another.

That night in New York City was a snowy one and for Ishmael and Christopher the night was magical. Together they traveled to Times Square and marveled at all the sights. Christopher had only been to a big city once, in search of this mother, and was awed at all the sights. Together they explored the nooks of the city. They had happened upon a large display of toys guns in a toy store window. Ishmael exclaimed, “Those are the weapons of my country.” In complete dismay Christopher asked, “what do you mean?’ Ishmael explained about the war and how he had been forced to kill or be killed. He confided in Christopher and Christopher confided in him. Christopher opened up about how hard it was for him to live a normal life. Christopher remarked, “I just do not know where I fit in. I am so different from the other boys.” Immediately, both boys know that they were different from other young men. They shared a special bond.

Over the course of the next week that bond became stronger and many nights the two boys would stay up until the sun was shining through the window telling the details of their lives. One night, not unlike the rest, Christopher opened up to Ishmael and said, “Wellington the dog was killed.” “Killed”, replied Ishmael. “Yes, killed by m y father.” Ishmael wanted to know more. “Were you lacking for food?” Ishmael asked. “No,” replied Christopher. “My father just killed him.” The simple, yet deep conversations continued. Each spoken word was quietly understood by the other.

The United Nation conference ended and as each boy entered the airport, Ishmael turned to Christopher and said, “I have lost my family to tragedy, but bin a strange way tragedy has brought me a new brother.” With tears in his eyes, Christopher replied, “I too have found a brother. Let us not forget what we have shared.” Each boy returned to his own country, but never forgot the friendship that was formed. That trip to New York healed each boy in ways that some will never understand.