69 Short Stories

6th Story: Kindness is the most beautiful 995words

There were only two boys left in the orphanage this winter. Jack and Matt.

In the harsh storm, the poor roof barely held its duty. Jack sat close to Matt as they chewed their flavour-less bread. Bolts of Lightning flashed violently outside.

In the headmaster's room, a couple was having an important discussion. The two kids in the dinning hall had no idea what awaits them ahead. 

"May I ask, what part of Jack bothered you so much that you have to send him back?" The old headmaster rubbed his grey beard. 

"No, no, Jack is very polite. He's doing great as a young child." The lady waved her hands. "It's just that......he kept on hanging out with his old friends."

"And what's seriously wrong about that?" The headmaster frowned. Examining the papers in front of him. 

"It's just that......."The lady stopped. The man patted his wife on the shoulder and continued for her. "We thought that spending time with this boy won't necessarily be positive for his future social environment."

"You mean spending time with Matt would cause trouble, for Jack."The headmaster removed the sugarcoating. The couple nodded with hesitation and embarrassment. The headmaster sighed. Every time, every single time. Adopters would be pleased with Jack at first sight but forbid him from playing with Matt.

"We're sorry, Headmaster. " The couple stood up and exited the orphanage, into the big storm.

The old headmaster buried his grey hair and beard into his wrinkled hands. Not knowing Matt has already finished his meal and overheard their conversation in the hallway.

A few days later, another woman met the headmaster in his office. 

"Do you sincerely want to adopt this child?"The headmaster questioned, looking through the pile of documents. He took it as his duty to them know that every time the orphans return to the orphanage it will hurt them deeply. 

"I'm certain, sir. I'll treat him like my own child."The woman nodded. 

"Then it's settled. I'll bring the child over and see his opinion." The headmaster called for Jack and sighed slightly, silently hoping it would be different this time. 

The adoption was successful, everything went smoothly. Jack left to stay with Ms Moore and their first week seemed normal. 

Until Ms Moore found out who Jack was meeting frequently outside. A tall, slender boy a few years older than Jack. Matt.

Ms Moore followed them around the town. Jack seems a lot more talkative and cheerful when Matt was around. They could spend hours doing nothing but yet seem so enjoyed. The tall boy had nothing negative either, except for a long, obvious scar across his face. 

"That's probably the reason why he never got adopted. He got it during the fire." Was Headmaster's reply for Ms Moore's query. "All the adopters assumed him as bad luck, and would not adopt Jack if it meant they had to see him playing with Matt."

Christmas Eve, another bad storm broke out. Ms Moore and Jack sat silently in their chairs, next to the fireplace.

Miss Moore handed the young boy a box and smiled warmly. "I have a gift for you, Jack. Open it."

Jack hesitated before opening the cardboard box. There lied, warmly, a pair of gloves. Way too big for Jack's tiny hands.

"We can invite whoever fits into that shoe over for dinner tomorrow." Miss Moore smiled. Jack dropped his mouth open and examined the gloves. It was of good quality. 

"Thank you, Miss Moore."Jack hugged the lady with a big smile, his mind piling with thoughts.

It was Christmas Day. The storm had calmed down quite a bit. At dusk, Jack came home holding Matt's hand. 

Ms Moore greeted them at the door. Jack's hand started to sweat as the nervous feeling got to him. Matt swallowed hard whilst holding onto Jack's wide shoulders, wearing the perfectly fitting gloves. 

"O'Hey Jack, this must be our guest then. Come on in." She held the door open as the tall figure greeted her and followed Jack inside, flustered.

"This is Matt. A good friend of mine. And this is Ms Moore." Jack introduced at the entrance, as Ms Moore finished setting the dining table. "Matt is an orphan like I was before you adopted me. He helped me many many times back at the orphanage when the other kids weren't so nice to me." 

"This is a gift for you, Ms Moore. Matt and I made it together." Jack handed Miss Moore a bracelet. Ms Moore's eyes glittered as she smiled warmly at the boys. Her first Christmas gift in years.

"Oh, thank you. That's so nice of you." She hugged Jack and then Matt. "I'll give you your presents after dinner."

The dinner was cheerful. Ms Moore was happy to see the house full of chatter once more. 

"And Matt, this is yours." Ms Moore handed the boy a neatly wrapped present after giving Jack his. 

"Th-thank you, Ms." Matt stammered and received it with both hands. When he opened it. He was shocked. "Oh my......Ms Moore, I don't know what I could say...this is...wonderful"

The documents in his trembling hands were as bright as the candles. It was an application to adopt Matt.

"It's okay if you don't want to stay with me."Ms Moore smiled nervously and patted Matt on the shoulder. "It's your choice."

"No, no, I'd love to." Matt looked up, excitement in his eyes and an overly cheerful expression on his face. The awfully long scar across his cheek didn't seem monstrous at all with that glowy grin.

"Matt!" Jack flung his arms around his best friend and then at his caretaker. "Thank you so much, Ms Moore!"

"This is the best present we've ever got!"Jack grinned and held their hands tight. The tall boy grinned and thanked the woman once more.

"Well, you guys are my best presents."Ms Moore hugged both of them tight. The bracelet reflecting the light of the crackling fireplace. 

The End. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year