Cedrick woke up somewhere in the school’s backyard and was surprised that all his wounds were healed. Healed in such a way that if you look at it, you would not know that he was covered with wounds 10 minutes ago.
He did not see the “school” as it really is supposed to be. Instead he saw the school backyard like as if though it was “paradise”. The trees and flowers were blooming more beautifully than they ever bloomed before. The birds were singing more lively than they ever sang before. You could also hear the crickets chirping in such a way that was music to anybody’s ears.
Cedrick also smelled this sweet fragrance that was far greater than any fragrance this world can offer. Most of all, this young 8 year old kid felt this warm feeling of love and security within his heart. A feeling he has never felt before as he lived in this cold bitter world.
Cedrick suddenly heard a singing voice that is so beautiful. A voice that is music to anybody’s ears regardless of what sounds you listen to. He followed the source of the sound until it led him to this young, beautiful, brown-blonde haired girl who looked like she was 16, surrounded by birds and stray cats.
The birds and stray cats were sitting right next to each other. A weird thing because these two animals are supposed to be “enemies”.
It seemed like even the animals liked to listen to her. It seemed like the animals found peace just by being beside her.
As Cedrick was around 5 feet away from her, she looked at Cedrick with this beautiful but pure-hearted smile.
“It’s okay little fellow,” the girl said.
Cedrick backed off a little bit.
“I’m Belldandy. Don’t be afraid of me. I’m not going to hurt you.” Her pure-hearted eyes fixed themselves on the weary eyes of Cedrick that have lost their happiness and innocence that a child his age is supposed to have. “Come closer my dear. I’ve got something nice for you.”
Cedrick, who has learned to doubt people in his life, suddenly believed this girl and moved closer to her.
“I am a goddess. My job is to see to it that people like you are happy. My job basically is to help people. I would gladly grant you a wish no matter what. What is it? Don’t be afraid to ask me.”
Cedrick only stood in awe for this is the first time someone showed him that much affection ever in his life. He was just open mouthed and could not say anything. Cedrick’s thoughts were all mixed up.
“It’s ok my dear,” said Belldandy. “You can’t speak because of the pain in your heart. I understand that you’ve always been humiliated and put down that you’ve lost your confidence in communicating with people. I’ve seen your pain a long time ago Cedrick Penitente. You’ve faced challenges and still chose life. I am very proud of you little fellow.”
Belldandy decided to hold Cedrick in her arms. She started to tighten her embrace on Cedrick.
Cedrick never felt this loved before in his entire life. His hardened heart melted. Cedrick’s tears rolled down his eyes. This time these tears are not tears of pain. These are tears of extreme joy. Cedrick’s joy was so intense that his human body cannot contain it. The body could only contain so much, that’s why it only ejects tears if it can’t take it anymore.
“What is your wish little one? Don’t be afraid”.
“I… I…”
“Say it.”
“I… I want you… t… to be… my.. my… my friend. “
“That’s ok for me. From now on, you’ll never be alone in school anymore because I will always be with you. That’s a promise.”
Cedrick was overjoyed. His thin and weary body in the arms of the goddess, Belldandy. “T… thank you Bell… Belldandy…” And he passed out.
