Have you ever heard a little kid talk to herself?

They talk about games, toys, colors, and even have conversations that really have nothing

to do with anything.

We learn to ignore them.

They're just playing around.

Right?

This is a story about a little boy I used to tutor back when I was in high school.

He definitely wasn't making up conversations.

He was legitimately speaking to someone, and I have proof.

I got the tutoring offer through my teacher.

He knew that I was good at math and excellent with little kids since I had two younger siblings,

and I would run to their elementary school after my last class to pick them up.

He had usually let me go five minutes early most days, so I would have enough time to bring

both of my little brothers home.

The child I was supposed to help was named Jacob.

He lived with his aunt, but most days his grandmother would take care of him.

Both of his parents were always working, and you could tell just by the messy house.

The grandmother would always let us work out in the balcony, and the subject was basic math.

One evening, I showed up at the regular time, and I was surprised to be greeted by her mother.

She asked me to come in, that Jacob would be waiting for me out in the balcony.

I did, as she said.

And there he was.

...