2 New beginnings

I was nervous first. I had never been out on my own and now I was gonna live in a different place.

I took a deep breath and took a taxi to London Marriott Hotel my friend suggested.

So, I was here by myself, knowing almost nothing about this place.

I came to my room, took a bath, ate and slept like a panda.

Now was the time to explore the city and look for a home for myself.

I wandered to many homes but wasn't sure about any.

I was tired and was returning back to the hotel hoping to find a good place to stay tomorrow.

On my way back I saw a homeless child with wounds and bruises all over his body.

He was alone. What was he doing here alone? Where were his parents?

He was just sitting idle on a piece of cloth.

He was as thin as a stick. Seemed to be living like this for quite a some time. But how?

I went up to him and asked him

"Hey, are you alone?"

He was silent for a some time as if thinking was it wise enough to respond to me or not.

Then looked up to face me.

And then he nodded.

"Where are your parents?" I asked worriedly.

He took a pause again and then shook his head with tears filling up in his eyes.

"How did you get hurt?"

"...Had a fight with some boys. They beat me up for not listening to them"

"Were they your friends? What were they asking you to do?"

He took a pause again and then replied shaking his head " They wanted me to get into bad stuff . I didn't want to."

I felt bad for him. How would this little boy be living in this cruel world alone? What would he be suffering everyday?

"Can you let me examine your wounds?" I asked with empathy.

He showed me his hands.

" Does it hurt?"

"Earlier it did. Now it doesn't.

I'm used to it. I have to be strong."

I was shook. Sometimes even children teach you so much.

I took out the first aid I always carry with me and took out an antiseptic and cleaned his wounds and bandaged them.

"Are you hungry?

He nodded in response.

"Can I take you to a nearby shop?"

He stood up.

I asked him to hold my hand and took him to eat.

In this new city, he seemed to be my first friend.

I asked him " What would you like to eat?"

"Anything"he replied..

I bought him a burger, fries and a drink and I had never seen that genuine elation on anyone's face like his.

I took him to a nearby store to buy him some clothes and he took me to show me a nearby park.

It was 8pm now.

I couldn't leave him back there!

I asked him," would you come stay at my hotel with me today? I will do you no harm."

He trusted me.

He nodded and we moved towards my hotel.