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They knew Billy was different from the start. He wouldn't play with the other children, or his siblings, or even his parents. When anyone tried to include him in their games, he'd throw a tantrum and run off to be by himself. It got so bad, his parents had to homeschool him. Even then, he refused to play, even by himself.

As he grew older, Billy kept throwing his tantrums. He loved to learn and to experiment, but for whatever reason he wouldn't play with anyone. His parents tried to reason with him, and tried to find someone who he'd consent to play with. It was all for nothing. Worse, when Billy got into his teens he started visiting Old Man Williams who lived by himself a few blocks away. His parents didn't approve, but despite grounding him he persisted. He found ways to escape, to slip out when they weren't looking, and he became very good at picking locks. They tried talking to Mr. Williams, but he cursed at them and insisted he and Billy were just good friends. And what right did they have to deny an old man company anyway? But when they threatened to go to the police, he relented. Billy tried going over a few more times, but it was no use. He eventually stopped going altogether, yet he didn't get better. If anything, he got worse, and said he'd never forgive them for ruining his friendship with Mr. Williams.

Things came to a head one summer weekend. Billy loved to swim, but only in private. His brother caught him sneaking out one night at the family lake cabin. He followed Billy into the lake and surprised him, only wanting to play with his brother. Billy nearly killed him, first by pushing him under, then beating him with his fists when he escaped to the shore. He only stopped when his father tossed him back into the lake. It was then they knew they needed help.

One day soon after, Billy was taken away. It hurt his parents to do it, and it hurt more to hear the things he cried as the men dragged him into the van, but they had no choice. The camp was the only solution. Until he was better, Billy had to live away from everyone.

At first, his letters were bitter and filled with curses. Some days were better, some were worse. He blamed them for everything, and swore he'd never forgive his parents. The only sign of hope they had was his concern for his brother, writing an apology for his violent reaction. But despite this, he resisted the treatments, and though he wrote about them in great detail it was always with horror and revulsion. His parents began to fear Billy would never be cured, that he would forever need to be locked away from others. Or that he might end up alone, like Mr. Williams, who started asking after Billy again. They lost so much sleep worrying over their son.

Then the letters changed. Billy apologized for all he had done. His eyes were clear now. He felt horrible for hurting others when all they wanted to do was play with him. He promised he'd be better from now on and that he couldn't wait to see everyone. He talked about his new friends at the camp and the people who helped him get over his reluctance to play. His parents cried tears of joy and the whole family rejoiced to know Billy was cured.

He showed up a few weeks later with one of the men from the camp, dressed in cut-off jeans and a tanktop. A blue collar adorned his neck, with a metal tag hanging on the front with his name on it. His parents embraced and kissed him, welcoming him back home. He smiled and nodded, looking shyly at the floor. They thanked the man and he left, off to help more poor souls like their son. Billy's family decided to celebrate in the bedroom, peeling off their clothes on the way. They stipped Billy as well, eager to have him finally join in their games, his brother snapping a leash to his collar. They were so happy to finally have Billy back.

So happy, they never noticed the tears on his face.