CHAPTER 8 (UNEDITED)
Finally had a miracle – HE wasn't at home. He didn't come back. I was curious about his whereabouts but not dumb enough to poke around, He would be home when he needs to take out his frustration on someone. I am sure that I might find something in his room, but I can't risk it.
My body is changing colors from almost black to pale yellow. Some wounds are getting better and some getting worse. Regardless, I need to head out today due to zero stock of food at home otherwise I would be a corpse by the time my dearest father graces this house with his presence.
Open hair, a cap, loose clothes and some makeup to hide facial bruises... I headed out. The 10-minute walk turned into a 30-minute walk. It was as if everyone was staring at me, even if that wasn't the case. I felt self-conscious.
"Bread, Mac and Cheese, cereal, two packs of painkillers... all done, ma'am. Do you need a carry bag?"
"No, thanks." I brought a carry bag from home to save on the few cents that they would have charged. Picking up the bag, I turned around...
"Excuse me ma'am." Did he see any of the bruises?
"Shall I sign you up for our monthly coupon program."
"No, thanks." Without turning back, I walked away... finally a place to not get beaten up for showing attitude.
The weather is beautiful and cheery. As if the wind was trying to comfort me and falling leaves were smiling to me... I want to dance with them in the warmth of sun. So, I went to the park to further bask in the moment. This park feels like home to me. The memories that I have here with Enzo, again embraced me and I zoned out.
"NO, I DON'T WANNA."
The childish voice grabbed my attention, among many others.
How did that kid get himself in that situation and where are his parents? The kid was surrounded by two men and a woman. The woman had a grip on his hand, and they were trying to take that kid without creating any scene toward the exit.
"let's go to your mum. She sent us to get you back home." The woman said with a smile to cover the creepiness in her eyesand the kid seems to have sensed the maliciousness because the fear clearly reflected on his face and seem to be conflicted.
"ALEX"
"ALEX"
"HEY, LEAVE MY BROTHER."
"DAD, I FOUND ALEX." I shouted random lines, running in their direction. They immediately let him go and went off.
Taking hold of the kid, I took him to the crowded part of the park in case his parents were there.
"Hey kiddo, where are your parents?" He shrugged.
"Are they here?" he shook his head.
Now, I was just as confused as the kid. What to do and where to take him?
"What's your name?" I asked in the softest voice.
"Henry."
"So, Henry let's go and look for your parents. Till then I will take care of you." In no manner would I let the kid roam alone with so many predators around. I am sure many more people saw the incident happening, but no one stepped forward to inquire or help the kid.
*****
"I want food."
It's been an hour of trying to search his parents, but the kid knows nothing about this area and now seems to be tired.
"What do you wanna eat?"
"Can we have pizza, please?"
"Of course, Munchkin." I can afford a small size pizza and even if I didn't have money, I might sell a kidney or two for that cute face.
With a full belly and some leftovers, he seems chirper. I haven't had a serious talk with him yet, just been looking around. But what now?
Shall I go to the police station? But they would keep him there overnight or in some strange place and with facial injury I can't go there. That place is strictly prohibited to me.
"Henry let's go to my house. It's getting late and I promise to continue our search tomorrow."
"Can't we go to the police? Mum said to go there if I ever get lost. I miss mom and dad." It was good to know he didn't trust strangers fully. So, I pulled a pen out of my pocket and handed it to the boy.
"If you feel any sort of danger from any person including me, just remove the cap and stab it in the person's body." I shouldn't be teaching such violent things to a kid, but survival requires it.
***
I brought the kid home. At least father being mia made things a bit easy. Carrying the kid home, screwed up my ribs further but he was tired and I got to ask him questions on the way to know the situation better.
The kid is almost 6 years old and is from Canada. He came to US with his parents and was at a party with parents, where he was playing with other kids. Then a person in waiter outfit abducted him from washroom window and handed him to a person, who left him at a random place.
Ahhh, the things that people do.
Since he was already fed and tired... he slipped into a deep slumber. I knew my room was cold. So, regardless of possible consequence... I got him two blankets from my parents' room.
My Vincenzo would have been of the same age.
The kid unconsciously shifted toward me and clutched my hoodie. The love that I felt for the kid had no bound. I just felt the need to protect him and coddle him. That small nose, chubby pink cheeks, small fingers... everything about him brings the urge in me to hide him from the cruel world, to give him every happiness.
Something that I lost
I felt it again
Something untainted
I found it again
Before reaching hell
I found my heaven again.
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LET ME KNOW THE PART WHERE IT FEELS BORING.
HAVE A GREAT DAY AHEAD.
YOU ARE READING
FINDING LIFE
General Fiction"They love to commit crime and among many, I am their favorite crime". To be honest, I haven't actually given a thought as to how this story will proceed because I don't want to confine this story as per a prologue. I want it to flow like a wind. An...
