Eric probably wouldn't do very well at foraging in an early garden, you're right. He might figure out leaf lettuce, but that's about the extent of his knowledge. I wonder how many people gave him a second thought if they watched him walk by on the road. So often, even out beyond the suburbs, we're so absorbed in our lives and routines and to-do lists that we scarcely register someone like Eric. But they're out there, just the same. Part of the reason I wrote this was to prompt some thought about homeless kids on the move. Thanks a million for reading, and for your comments.