Benjamin

In the back alleys of the city, there was a small and run-down house.

Many stories have been witnessed by that house; maybe it be good or bad.

There was someone living in that particular house, a boy who was about 10 years of age. His hair is ruffled and messy, his eyes are almond shaped and brown.

He dressed in rags and living like a mouse but his enthusiasm and fighting spirit were burning in his eyes.

He beg alms in the daylight and make errands for the bars at night. He lived like that ever since he was abandoned in that back alley.

One particular night, Arthur Lui was about to return from work had seen the young Benjamin earnestly carrying big boxes for the bar at the back alley. He immediately stopped his car and observed him.

Covered in sweat and dust, little Benjamin carried the huge boxes one at a time inside the bar. Arthur was someone easily moved by courageous people and will extend hands without any hesitations.

Awhile later, Arthur who, was just observing the young lad found himself walking towards his direction.

"Good evening young man, are you willing to work in my manor?" asked Arthur.

Benjamin continued his work and ignored Arthur.

"Hey, I am talking to you." added Arthur just to get his attention but failed. Benjamin continued his work and completely ignored his existence.

Arthur just left but from that day onward, he kept checking on Benjamin.

One night, when Arthur was about to park his car in the alley, men in black suits surrounded him.

"Capture him." said one of the men.

The men followed the command and tried to grasp Arthur but failed.

He ran in the back alleys to get away from them.

He knew that it was an attempted kidnapping.

He ran and found the house of Benjamin. He barged in the house to hide. A moment later, the men arrived in front of the house and tried searching him in there but Arthur could not be found.

"SSSShhhh.." the lad uttered to silence Arthur.

He nodded.

The men were searching for him outside the house.

They only left when they have searched thoroughly and found nothing.

Arthur could not help but sigh for the relief he felt.

"Thank you." said Arthur while dusting of his clothes.

The lad just nodded.

Looking closely, Benjamin has fine features, pointed nose, almond shaped eyes, and thin lips. He maybe covered with dirt but but it does not hide his fair skin.

It is likely that he is from a prominent family. The question is, why would someone like him living like this?

"Say, will you work for me? I mean, I can offer you a job with better compensation than you are having now. My wife is about to give birth and it's a boy. I need someone who will look up for him. I can send you to school and live with us." offered Arthur.

"I.. will think about it." replied Benjamin while munching over the food that Arthur brought for him.

It is a token for saving his life.

Soon after that incident, the rundown house were torn apart. Leaving the young boy with no home to return to.

It was late summer when Benjamin arrived in Lui household.

His face was like of a doll with no expression at all.

He stood like a tree in the wide hall of the manor when he first arrived. Benjamin was bewildered by what he saw.

It was like a dream to him. It seemed surreal; so untrue.

He pinched his cheeks to prove that he was not dreaming.

From then on, he started his life in the manor and until the late master and madam passed away.

Now thinking about it, Benjamin really was glad he chose to accept Arthur's offer. He was beyond blessed up to these extent. He leaned back on his chair with his arms crossed his chest. He is thinking about his master who's gone abroad without him. He is worried but what can he do? It was all his master's order. He sighed and continued his paperworks on his desk.