Taking out the trash is the worst job ever. Be quick, Tom. And don't turn this into a whole adventure.
Wait, is that kid looking for food in the trash? That can't be real, right? Hey, are you okay?
Don't come near me, please. >> I'm not trying to hurt you. People always say that first.
>> Hey, wait. I just want to talk. No, leave me alone.
You dropped your bread. >> Keep it. I don't care.
>> Hey, wait. Wait. Oh, I am sorry.
Are you okay, >> Tom? Oh my god. Tom, >> I'm okay, Dad.
Son, stay there. Nobody's blaming you. >> I thought he wanted to catch me.
I am so sorry. He didn't do anything wrong. I haunt what?
>> I ran after him because he was scared. You run really fast, by the way. That is a very weird thing to say right now.
Sweetie, why were you looking for food in the trash? >> Because trash doesn't ask questions. >> My name is Ethan.
>> You can tell us the truth. >> It's a long story and it's not a happy one. My mom got very sick and then she died.
After that, everything at home changed. When my mom was alive, the house felt warm. After she was gone, it felt cold all the time.
>> Ethan, this is Linda, and she will help take care of us. >> Hi. I hope we can be a family.
Wash the dishes, clean the floor, and move faster. >> I'm trying. I'm really trying.
>> Look at this mess. You can't do anything right. I can wipe it up.
Please don't get mad. >> She made me clean every room in the house. If one thing was wrong, she yelled for an hour.
Why are you so slow? >> Because I'm only one kid, not a robot. >> Dinner smells great tonight.
>> Of course. I take very good care of this family. >> I sat in the corner with my mom's picture.
That was the only time I felt a little safe. >> Hold tight. I'm pushing you higher.
again. Mom, I want to touch the clouds. >> You laugh so loud, little monkey.
>> That's because you push like a superhero. >> I made your favorite soup in those funny little pancakes. >> You always make the best food in the whole world.
>> Then I came back to the real house and it felt even colder than before. Ethan, get out here and clear the table now. >> I'm coming.
Please don't shout. >> My hands were shaking because I was scared. That only made things worse.
Maybe this old picture matters more to you than listening. A >> Don't touch that, please. >> Then maybe I should take it away.
Give it back right now. >> Right now. Now.
>> No. He pushed me. >> What happened here?
>> Your son attacked me like a wild animal. >> Dad, that's not true. She took my picture first.
>> Dad, please listen to me. >> You need to learn a lesson tonight. >> No.
Dad, please. I held my mom's picture and cried all night. It felt like the whole world forgot me.
Then I saw a small window. It looked tiny, but hope looked tiny, too. I'm not a cat, but that night I climbed like one.
I was scared, but staying was scarier. I jumped out and ran without looking back. In the daytime, I searched for leftovers.
Some days I found bread, and some days nothing. If the food still looked okay, I ate it. I know that sounds gross, but being hungry is stronger than being picky.
At night, I slept under a drain pipe. It was cold, wet, and full of weird sounds. That's why I was looking through the trash today.
I just wanted something to eat. Oh, honey. No child should live like that.
>> You should have met me sooner. I steal cookies professionally. >> Careful.
My heroic push was kind of messy. You still talk too much for a hero. Welcome to our house where the couch is softer than a cloud.
>> I've got shirts, pants, and one sock with a dinosaur on it. What? >> Because the other sock went missing in battle.
>> Oh, your house is strange, but I kind of like it. Go take a hot shower. And don't worry, the soap is friendly.
I've never met friendly soap before. >> I'm making soup, rice, chicken, and warm bread. >> Eat slowly, sweetheart.
There is plenty for you. I'll try, but my stomach may not listen. You guys are weird.
We need to report this right now. >> Yes, that boy needs protection, not just one safe night. A child has been abused and forced to live on the street.
We have the boy here and he needs help immediately. >> For a second, I thought the warm blanket was a dream. Breakfast delivery for the new couch king.
>> This is the best hotel I've ever seen. >> Hi. >> We need to ask you both some questions about Ethan.
>> This is ridiculous. That child is impossible. >> We found where Ethan was being kept.
This isn't neglect. This is abuse. >> That's not what it looks like.
What did you do? >> You're going to need to come with us. >> You're all overreacting.
You're all overinking. Ethan, I'm so sorry. I should have seen it.
I should have protected you. >> Try it. >> Try it.
I think you'll like it. >> See, now I don't have to share cookies full time. >> Maybe just on weekends.
>> That sounds perfect.
