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.