"Good morning, sweet boy," said the nanny as she knocked outside Sebastian's bedroom door. She had done this, more or less, everyday, she would guess, way back since Sebastian was four. She was hired to cook to clean, to do the laundry and several things at this moment she could not recollect, so many chores, but still always a wink at sad Sebastian on the brink from his parent's never ending neglect. In a day so brief and slim, how she managed from floor to brim, clean rugs, scoured pots, forks and pans, if Sebastian had known not better, his one true friend and babysitter had more than just one and two hands. So, "Good morning, sweet boy," but to Sebastian's dismay, the nanny added something a bit extra. "Good morning, sweet boy, and might I just say, good morning and a big Happy Birthday!" But Sebastian was not happy, staring out the window for mom and pappy, hoping against hope they'd come home. In what country were they exploring, over which ocean in planes a'soaring, was it Guam, Nice, Paris, France or maybe Rome? Promises were made, but just in case, the nanny prayed for his parent's quick and timely return, it's been months and not one note, they managed a text from a fun filled boat, but in truth, it seemed the children were of no great concern. Still, the nanny wanted things better, so she smiled through the door she entered, though the parents were no where in sight, this day will be a good one and will be full of adventure, "This I promise, Sebastian Goodnight."The nanny turned on the light to Sebastian's room, only to find the bed empty. Over by the open window sat the boy, staring down the long drive, listening for the almost forgotten particular sound his father's car made as it would creep slowly, tentatively, sadly toward the house - but this morning was still quiet. Watching him, the nanny's smile fell, but she quickly picked it up again before Sebastian turned. He was dressed, not in his normal clothes but the brand new outfit his parents sent...money for the nanny to go out and buy. Big boy pants with pleats, crisp white shirt, tailored jacket and blue bow tie. "Adorable," she thought. "Are you wearing your birthday outfit to school?" Sebastian nodded. "Well, you look fine, just don't get it dirty." They both smiled, knowing that was not a possibility. Sebastian didn't get dirty or wrinkled or disheveled in any way. He did not play - in the dirt or anywhere else, he could sit still for hours. The birthday outfit would remain as crisp and clean, pressed and kept as the moment of its purchase...and this thought made the nanny's smile fall again.
"You look fine, but Sampson looks cold," said the nanny, pointing with her finger to the tiny yellow parakeet sitting on Sebastian's finger. The bird's eyes stared out the window as intently as the boy's and every bit as sad. Sampson, however, was not staring down at the road, but up - up and out to the open sky, watching the other birds free flight. Sampson was, perhaps, the one creature in this house sadder than Sebastian. The bird's clipped wings, Sebastian's fear of all things made these two a perfect pair.
Sebastian's parents had a habit of being absent, so in their stead, a gift would be sent. A package would arrive and be found on the hallway table - how polite they were. Wrapped in brown paper, covered in stamps from some far away land, and inside, always with a note, "Sorry we couldn't make it." or "Couldn't get away." or "We're having too much fun!" and always signed, "Sincerely, your mother and father". Gifts for birthdays, gifts for Christmas, missed Parent Teacher meetings, missed school plays, a gift for every occasion. Sebastian often thought, if they actually ever showed up, he probably wouldn't even notice, their faces unrecognizable and in his memory, almost forgotten. But of all the gifts, and there have been many - life size Terracotta Soldiers from China, telescopes from Madrid, handmade cigars from Cuba - Sampson, the tiny yellow parakeet from Australia was Sebastian's favorite. Weary of each other at first, the two slowly began to trust. Sebastian had no fear of Sampson, and every night, when the bird was returned to its cage, the boy's heart would break. Seeing his friend locked away was unbearable but in Sebastian's dreams, Sampson would soar.
"It's time for school, put Sampson away," the nanny said, "you can play when you get home, and maybe your parents will be here when you get back." Anything's possible. Sebastian gently placed Sampson in his cage, took one more look out the window...no one, and sadly left the room. Watching him leave, the nanny folded her arms from the chill in the room. Walking to the open window and just before closing it, she also took a look outside...no one. "It's still early," she thought, and off she went to join Sebastian.
And Sampson in his cage began to chirp so big and bright, waiting for the quick return of his friend, Sebastian...Sebastian Goodnight.
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