TKAM #8: Boo Radley

They needed me, so I came to their aid. And I did it so much faster than I would have thought. Nearly thirty years I've been cooped up inside that house and I just got up and went through the screen door to help them. Poor Jem, with his arm broken like that. Shame I couldn't do anything there. But I suppose the important thing is that they're both safe and sound. I don't think I'll ever come out of that house again though. Nathan was absolutely right, the outside world is just too much, and I would never be able to fit in. Why, it was hard enough just standing in a corner of that boy's room. No, I'm like a fish, and that house is my tank, longing to leave the glass confines of my cage to enter the most beautiful thing I had ever seen, but was just a dream to me. True, I envy those who can live their lives and exist in peace. I envy, Mr. Finch and his children, Dr. Reynolds, and even Nathan for being able to see and interact with people and the world. But no. I am to continue to watch and long for what I cannot have. To provide those who are so far apart with what I can offer. I am to continue to play the mockingbird.