That was a relief really, to find out the kid was just avoiding home for the day and not some kind of runaway. I mean, what would he have done with a runaway? Not call in the police! They would have bungled in here with flashing lights and sirens, and made the situation worse with a stern talking to or making the poor confused guy feel like he was being arrested.

"I'm glad to hear that. I was going to offer to buy you a hot dog from the vendor over there, but beyond that I don't have much experience with younger people. I was one once, we always have them coming around to the garden, but some how I don't think I would be much good at the whole 'doing the right thing' lecture stuff all adults are supposed to be expert at."