Tevin (Is Anybody There?)
Tevin lives in a small house with his mother, stepfather, and six half-siblings. Tevin doesn’t know whether his real father was murdered, as his mom once told him. He dreams that his father is still alive. Tevin is surrounded by the alcoholism of his mother, stepfather, and grandfather. His mother begins drinking each morning and arrives at school drunk. At night, Tevin lies in his bed listening to intense arguments between his mother and stepfather. He hopes that the padlock he put on his door will keep him safe. These battles rage into the late hours of the night. Tevin puts his pillow over his head when his stepfather beats his mother. Tevin wishes he could protect her. He hates his stepfather. Tevin arrives at school, tired and dirty. He has not had a bath in over a month. His hair and clothing are filthy. Tevin turns his underwear and shirt around and inside out as they become soiled. He has never owned a toothbrush. Tevin is hungry. The only meals he can count on are those he receives at school.
Tevin loved school, but he hated going. The kids were cruel. They teased him about his appearance and called him names. When his classmates worked in pairs, nobody wanted to work with him. He was never chosen for anyone’s team. Tevin didn’t feel much like learning. One day his PASSWORD Mentor brought him a special surprise. It was a bag filled with unfamiliar items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, and shampoo. The Mentor introduced each item to Tevin. But where could he use them? They went to the school bathroom and washed his hair in the sink, using the entire bottle before the water ran clear of dirt, twigs, and debris. Tevin brushed his teeth. For the first time ever, his mouth tingled. They gently scraped the thick, cracked and crusty dirt from his legs and feet. They washed his filthy shirt and coat. Tevin felt better. Maybe now the kids would accept him. Care, Tevin’s first password.
