Chapter 10 - Can't believe

As Sam carefully tucked the bundle of cash into the makeshift pouch made of clothes, his mind buzzed with possibilities. With the newfound wealth at his disposal, he could envision a multitude of ways to improve his circumstances, to buy warm clothes to ward off the chill of the night, to purchase food to fill his empty stomach, or perhaps even to secure temporary shelter from the harsh elements.

But amidst the flurry of thoughts and plans swirling in his mind, one thought stood out above all others, the longing to see Angel once more. Despite the material comforts that money could provide, it was the simple joy of her presence that Sam craved above all else.

With a wistful sigh, Sam cast his gaze towards the spot where Angel would often appear each evening, her arrival a beacon of hope in the darkness of his existence. But as he waited, he couldn't shake the feeling of fatigue that weighed heavily upon him, his body weary from the relentless struggle for survival.

A fit of coughing wracked Sam's frame, each hacking cough a painful reminder of his frailty. But even as he struggled to catch his breath, his thoughts remained fixed on the image of Angel, her kindness and compassion a source of comfort and solace in the midst of his suffering.

And as the evening sky darkened and the sounds of the city faded into the night, Sam closed his eyes and whispered a silent prayer, hoping against hope that Angel would appear once more, her presence a ray of light in the darkness of his lonely existence.

As Sam's keen ears caught the familiar sound of footsteps approaching, his heart leapt with hope, anticipation coursing through his veins. With bated breath, he turned towards the source of the sound, his eyes widening in disbelief as he beheld the sight before him—an angelic figure emerging from the darkness, her presence a welcome respite from the loneliness that had plagued him for so long.

But as his gaze lingered on Angel's face, he detected a subtle shift in her demeanor, a hint of sadness lurking behind her radiant smile. Concern etched itself onto Sam's features as he studied her closely, his intuition telling him that something was amiss.

With a gentle voice, Sam reached out to Angel, his words filled with genuine concern as he asked her what was troubling her. But instead of confiding in him, Angel deflected his question with a bright smile, launching into a flurry of chatter about school and other trivialities.

Despite her attempts to change the subject, Sam could sense the weight of unspoken sorrow lingering in the air, a silent plea for understanding and compassion. And as he listened to her words, his heart ached with the knowledge that Angel was carrying a burden too heavy for her young shoulders to bear alone.

With a sympathetic smile, Sam offered Angel a comforting embrace, his silent presence a source of solace in her time of need. And as they stood together in the darkness, their bond strengthened by shared moments of vulnerability, Sam vowed to be her guiding light, a beacon of hope and support in the midst of life's storms.

As Angel hesitated to speak, her eyes glistened with unshed tears, her heart heavy with the weight of her sudden sorrow. Sam's gentle persistence urged her to open up, to share the burden that weighed so heavily upon her young soul.

With a deep breath, Angel found the courage to confide in Sam, her voice barely above a whisper as she revealed the truth that lay heavy on her heart, she missed her mother, missed her presence, missed the warmth of her embrace and the sound of her laughter filling their home.

As Sam listened to Angel's words, his heart clenched with empathy, a pang of sadness echoing the ache in her voice. Where had her mother gone, he wondered, his mind racing with unanswered questions. Had she left them behind, or had she been taken from them by forces beyond their control?

Despite the uncertainty that clouded his thoughts, one thing was clear, Angel's pain was real, her longing for her mother a palpable ache that echoed in the depths of her soul. And as he wrapped her in a comforting embrace, Sam vowed to stand by her side, to offer her solace and support in her time of need.

As Angel's words hung heavy in the air, Sam felt a knot form in the pit of his stomach. The revelation that Angel's mother had passed away left him reeling, his mind struggling to reconcile this new information with the image of the loving and vibrant woman Angel had spoken of just days before.

Confusion clouded Sam's thoughts as he tried to make sense of Angel's conflicting statements. Just yesterday, she had regaled him with tales of her mother's kindness and warmth, painting a vivid picture of a woman who was very much alive and present in her life. And yet, today she spoke of her mother's death as if it were a recent and painful loss.

Unable to contain his bewilderment, Sam pressed Angel for more details, his voice tinged with concern as he sought to understand the truth behind her words. But Angel's hesitation spoke volumes, her reluctance to delve deeper into the painful memories of her past a testament to the grief and confusion that still lingered in her heart.

As the weight of Angel's revelation settled upon him, Sam felt a surge of empathy wash over him, a profound sadness for the pain and loss she had endured at such a tender age. And as he wrapped her in a comforting embrace, he vowed to be there for her, to offer her solace and support as she navigated the murky waters of grief and remembrance.

As Sam gazed into Angel's tear-filled eyes, he knew in his heart that she spoke the truth. Angel was not the type of girl to fabricate stories, especially when it came to matters as deeply personal as the loss of her beloved mother. Her face bore the unmistakable traces of sorrow and longing, a testament to the depth of her grief and the magnitude of her loss.

In that moment, Sam felt a surge of empathy wash over him, his own heart heavy with the weight of Angel's pain. He longed to reach out to her, to offer her comfort and solace in her time of need.

With a tender touch, Sam gently brushed away Angel's tears, his touch a silent gesture of solidarity and support. And as they stood together in the darkness, their shared grief binding them in a bond of understanding and compassion, Sam vowed to be there for Angel every step of the way, to help her navigate the turbulent waters of loss and longing.

For in that moment, Sam knew that their friendship was a beacon of light in the darkness, a source of strength and comfort that would carry them through even the darkest of nights. And as they stood together, united in their shared sorrow and shared hope, Sam vowed to always be there for Angel, to help her find healing and peace in the midst of her pain.