The Boy Inside the House

She said firmly, "I'm afraid that Mr. Welsh refuses to speak to anyone about Adam."

She abruptly hung up. I felt awful and guilty. I wasn't a reporter wanting a story. I was a twelve-year-old boy wanting to meet this other, very unique twelve-year-old.

I thought about what had happened to Adam. It must've been very frightening and embarrassing. What if I did something so embarrassing that his would pale in comparison? I've often embarrassed myself. Once I got caught by the police throwing water balloons.

His embarrassment had been playing the trumpet. I knew nothing of the instrument. I had to sound tons worse. What if I played the trumpet in town square? I would play it as loudly and for as long as possible. If he could understand how much I wanted to meet him, maybe he'd agree to meet me.

I happened to know a guy who played in the school band who knew a trumpet player. The trumpet player graciously agreed to lend me his trumpet for a day. If he only knew its purpose.

My plan was simply to show up, right in front of the courthouse, Saturday morning at nine. I had no idea what might happen. Our town is very old and has many antique shops downtown that attract a lot of tourists. I might gather quite an audience. I figured the police would show up and either run me off or arrest me.

I found the website for Wainwright, Evans and Welsh. Within it I found Mr. Welsh's e-mail address. I sent him this e-mail:

Dear Mr. Welsh,

My name is Matt Koenig. I am twelve-years-old. I would like to meet your brother Adam. I realize that he wishes to see no one. I want nothing more than to meet him and see if he is real. To prove my sincerity I plan to play a trumpet in town square next Saturday for as long as possible. I would appreciate a quick response.

Matt Koenig

Teddy shook his head when I told him.

"You're gonna get in such trouble, Matt. If you do this everyone will laugh. And what about your parents?"

I had no intention of telling them.

I figured that Mr. Welsh would tell Adam about me. If I did create a big enough scene I might make the news. I could see it now: "Twelve-year-old boy toots horn- hits sour note- gets busted!"

A few days later I received a response from Arthur Welsh.

Dear Matt:

I recommend that you do not humiliate yourself to prove your desire to meet Adam. Do you know that you need a permit?

I have spoken to Adam about you. He respects your desire to meet him but encourages you to not do this.

Adam is a very special, real boy. I cannot explain why he never grew up. His wish is to simply be left alone.

Sincerely,

Arthur Welsh

My spirits sank. Was he telling me that my efforts would be in vain? I replied:

Dear Mr. Welsh,

I truly respect Adam's desire for privacy. But until I see him I will never believe the story, and I simply must know the truth. Therefore, I will play the trumpet in town square!

Matt