With its ancient stone exterior worn down by weather and time, the church stood guard in the center of the city. It provided consolation to people looking for spiritual shelter and was a ray of hope amid the urban jungle. The only sound in the cathedral tonight was the steady patter of rain on the stained glass windows, casting an unsettling hush over the building.
There was a startling disturbance to the tranquility of the sanctuary as three persistent knocks resounded through the still night. The custodian of the church, an elderly and thin guy, appeared out of the darkness, his expression bewildered as he opened the thick wooden door. With rain streaming down their face and clothing, a little, trembling figure stood on the porch.
"Permit me to come in?" Sibilant against the storm's din, the child's voice was all but unheard. With a rushing mind, the old man paused. It was an hour late, and there was no congregation tonight. One distressing image was a toddler by themselves in the rain. Feeling sorry for himself, he moved aside to let the youngster in.
Water collected at the child's feet as they entered, forming a little lake on the ancient church floor. Their skin was marred by small scratches, and their clothes were ragged and filthy. A throb in the elderly man's heart. Something evil was hiding in the depths of that terrified youngster's eyes, and it was obvious that the child was lost and alone.
The child's voice was shaking as they questioned, "Is there anything to eat?" The elderly guy nodded, his thoughts beginning to arrange a strategy. "There is, in fact. Tell me your name and what happened to you first, though.
As if considering their choices, the youngster hesitated. They finally got to talk. "My name is Kanji, and for a while now, I've been looking for food."
The elderly guy let out a sigh. That was one response, but it did not address all the questions. Even though he knew he had to feed the infant first, he couldn't shake a feeling of dread. This youngster was a victim, a survivor, more than just being hungry. And the elderly guy would become their guardian, in his own little way.
The inside of the cathedral was another planet. The room had an ethereal radiance from sunlight that seeped through the stained glass windows. The walls were covered in elaborate carvings that provided detailed images of biblical stories.
Looking at the magnificent edifice, Kanji felt a wave of calm and contentment sweep over him.
The paintings' vivid colors and realistic people drew his attention in and captured his mind.
The priest inquired, gently speaking, "Do you enjoy the paintings?" With a glittering look of surprise, Kanji excitedly nodded.
Kanji followed the priest to the rear of the church, where there was a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. The priest mostly stayed here, according to his spiritual obligations and seeking comfort in isolation. A tiny kitchen lay beyond this chamber, a home sanctuary in the middle of the hallowed area.
A gleam sprang into Kanji's eyes at the idea of food. Exuberance was evident in his leaps and bounds between his feet. Seeing the child's excitement, the priest could not help but smile.
The kitchen was modest in design but well-stocked. On the counter, biscuits, butter, and bread were spread out. With obvious benevolence, the priest motioned for Kanji to take a seat at a little table.
Kanji was obviously hungry as he gobbled up the bread without any hesitation. Partly amused, partly concerned, the priest observed. His tone was kind as he asked, "You're very hungry, huh?"
Kanji opened his lips to reply, but his tongue was tied. You really need to pick up some manners, the priest laughed. Alternatively, would you want to be a rude adult?
The priest laughed uncontrollably as Kanji stammered in vain to express himself. After a brief period of mutual laughter, the tension in the room subsided.
With contented eyes, the priest waited patiently for Kanji to consume all of the bread. Kanji enthusiastically drank the glass of water that the priest provided him once the last crumb was gone. In sharp contrast to the agony that must have been coursing through the kid, a sensation of serenity flooded over him.
Abruptly, Kanji put his arms around the priest, hugging him, overwhelmed with appreciation. The small boy's tenderness surprised the elderly man, who felt his heart soften. He took an automatic step back, though, as soon as he saw how soaked Kanji's garments were.
The priest said in a soft voice, "Now that you're grateful, tell me, what happened to you? Why are you out here by yourself, strolling in the rain? And what are those facial scratches?"
With a look of both defiance and horror in his eyes, Kanji glanced up. He looked to be trying to find the perfect words, but they would not come. At last, he looked directly into the priest's eyes and exclaimed, "I can't tell you!"
With his footsteps reverberating through the still cathedral, he turned and rushed for the entrance. The abrupt departure of the youngster surprised the priest. In a quiet expression of gratitude—or maybe defiance—Kanji turned one final time as he approached the door and tossed his drenched shirt to the floor.
The priest pursued the youngster with a resolute expression, being completely soaked by the unceasing rain. Calling out to Kanji, he begged him to stop. But the youngster had vanished into the darkness, like a passing shadow.
Breathless and isolated, the priest stood in the rain. A crest of melancholy swept across him. He had let down a helpless youngster. He turned and walked back into the church with a sorrowful heart, the rain wiping away the visible evidence of the meeting but leaving a permanent scar on his spirit.
He said to the empty chapel, "I pray God can forgive me for not being welcome enough for that unfortunate youngster."
For the priest, it was an uneasy evening. My thoughts about the enigmatic youngster consumed all of my sleep, which had become a distant memory. For what reason had Kanji left the church's sanctuary? Could he endure life on his own, with its hard realities? Something uneasy took root in his heart.
The next morning, the priest was startled out of sleep by many persistent taps. He hastened to the door, pulling on his vestment while his heart raced. He was shocked to see Kanji standing there, looking much more unkempt than before. Like the previous evening, the youngster asked, "Is there anything to eat?"
The priest was surprised. How on earth is this kid back so quickly? With so many questions in his head, he called Kanji inside. He had to know what was making this child feel so desperate.
The priest said, his voice stern, "Wait, come inside." With the purpose of striking up a discussion with the child, he brought Kanji to the kitchen. In addition to seeking clarification, he also desired to assist.
With a compassionate but firm tone, the priest said, "I can only offer you food if you answer my questions." Kanji had a worried expression, as though she was stuck. Subsequently, the youngster talked with a level of maturity that caught the priest off guard.
Can I simply work with you? Would that suffice to purchase some food?"
The boy's proposition surprised the priest. Even though it was an odd request, there was some optimism in it. Maybe this was an opportunity to support Kanji and provide him a solid home.
Weighing his alternatives, the priest thought, "Hmm." I believe you may be of assistance to me. I could have you work as my assistant. Child, what are your thoughts?
With a fresh sense of optimism, Kanji nodded excitedly. He held up his tiny finger and exclaimed, "Pinky promise!" Glad he had managed to save this kid who had gone missing, the priest grinned.
Weeks passed as the priest gently transitioned Kanji into the position of assistant. At first the youngster was a shadow, avoiding contact with the faithful who sought comfort behind the sacred walls of the cathedral. Kanji was persistently shy, even after the priest encouraged him to come out of his shell.
Then a beam of sunshine came into the chapel one regular day. Aifuyu Marumaya, a little child, came with her parents in search of the comfort and sacramental advice that the place provided. The priest's eyes strayed to the gorgeous windows of the church as he celebrated the Eucharist. To his surprise, he noticed Kanji standing outside, holding the little girl's hand and grinning slightly.
It was a touching scene that demonstrated the strength of human connection. Kanji seemed truly delighted for the first time since the kid had come. It seemed as though Aifuyu had revealed a previously concealed aspect of himself.
With an unquenchable curiosity, Kanji pounced on Aifuyu with inquiries. She had a name, an age, a family, a house, and beliefs that he wanted to know everything about. In contrast to Kanji, Aifuyu was even more reclusive. Her voice was a little tremulous as she gave cautious responses. Even yet, as she spoke with the youngster, there was a glimmer of affection in her eyes.
Aifuyu's mother phoned her later that day to come inside the church. Kanji hurried to the priest's side after recalling his responsibilities as his helper.
The priest said with a grin in his eye, "Oh, you seem to be in a really joyful mood today, little fellow." Regaining his modesty for a while, Kanji reddened and turned away. Amused by the boy's response, the priest laughed. Kanji was more energetic than he had ever seen.
The priest said, "So, go ahead and do a nice job today. Maybe you can even impress the girl."
Kanji raced off to put on his vestments, his cheeks becoming an even deeper shade of crimson. He was obviously humiliated, but he was also looking forward to hanging out with Aifuyu more.
Kanji and Aifuyu became closer as the days stretched into weeks. The girl started going to the church on a daily basis, and her presence lit up the hallowed place.
Their giggles resounded across the peaceful neighborhood as they played together outside. They would play silly games for hours together when Aifuyu would frequently bring toys or a ball. The priest felt bliss and serenity as he watched them engage.
One little fingers, brushing across the priest's cheek, broke the stillness of the night. The old guy was startled to wakefulness, his sleep-clouded thinking remaining intact. The little glow of the lamp made Kanji's speech, a low murmur, difficult to hear.
In a short while, the priest's senses totally recovered. "Okay, go. Tell me all you would like to say. There will be a gathering tomorrow, so I need to get up early," he said in a drowsy tone.
Kanji paused, as though he was trying to find the appropriate phrase. "It's more like a question," he said. Then, in a flash of audacity, he continued, "Marumaya said I may come to her place tomorrow."
The priest seemed perplexed for a time. He explained, "Today you mean."
Kanji gave a strong nod. "Yes," he responded.
The priest gave it some thought. "I guess I don't see the issue. But be sure to accompany her there as well. I could also come together if necessary."
Kanji gave a forceful shake of his head, gesturing to his small arm as if he were strutting his stuff. The priest grinned, moved by the boy's determination. "I'll go to sleep now that you're so confident," he said softly as he closed his eyes.
The priest fell back to sleep, a sense of anxiety washing over him. He wanted to insist on going with Kanji, part of him wished he had. That youngster, though, had an unmistakable confidence, and maybe it was time for him to get out and see the world outside the church.
Kanji was full of enthusiasm the following morning. Excitement was evident in him as he sprang out of bed and shook the priest awake. The priest, half sleeping even now, found it difficult to wake up to the unexpected flurry of activity.
"Alright, I'm heading outside to wait for her." With eagerness in his voice, Kanji declared.
With a wave of protectiveness sweeping over him, the priest paused. He said, "Wait, I'll accompany you to the door," and got out of bed.
They heard a knock as they got closer to the door. When Kanji threw open the door, Aifuyu was waiting on the threshold. Long golden hair, exotic clothes, and a delicate attractiveness that belied her youthful age made the girl's look stunning. Glancing at her, Kanji's cheeks brightened to a vivid scarlet. The youngster was obviously infatuated, and the priest couldn't help but laugh.
With shyness, Aifuyu seized Kanji's hand and drew him toward the entrance. Kanji faced the priest one final time. "Priest, you have my sincerest gratitude. One day, I want to repay you," he spoke with seriousness.
The door closed so lightly that it nearly touched the priest's face. For a brief period, the boy's remarks left him speechless. Then tears started to fall down his cheeks. Dropping to the floor, he began to sob uncontrollably.
"N-no one has ever spoken anything like that to me since I was born," he sobbed, his voice reduced to a hoarse whisper. Am I receiving a gift, Lord? I will always be incredibly appreciative of you for this.
Marumaya's little one grasped Kanji's hand tenderly as they strolled through the streets. Lost in his own world, he stared at the back of her head, blushing slightly. His good fortune was beyond belief. It was a day spent with the girl he had come to appreciate from a distance.
He envisioned her parents, worried for their daughter's safety, going with them. A little kid like Marumaya shouldn't be left alone in this unsafe location. Nonetheless, she exuded confidence and bravery.
"I told my family they didn't need to come with me," she said, turning to look at Kanji. "I told them you could protect me from anything."
The amazement in Kanji's eyes grew. Never in his life has he felt so capable or confident. Astonished by his own dread, he cast a downward glance. He said, his voice almost audible, "But what about traveling all the way to the church alone?"
With confusion, Marumaya cocked her head. She burst out laughing and said, "Oh, I didn't think of that."
Their uneasiness vanished as they both burst out laughing. Their changing dynamic had happened so suddenly that it felt odd. They had previously shown each other shyness and reluctance. They could laugh and joke now that they were at ease.
With every step they took, they got closer to their goal—the center of the city. A towering guy appeared out of the distance, standing still against the background of the urban sprawl. They immediately wrote him off as just another bystander. But as they got closer, a strange feeling overcame them.