The Happiest Boy in the World - Ch 2

When Paul opened his eyes, all he could see was a complete blur of things. A few seconds more and Paul was aware of his surroundings. Above his bed were two naïve-looking boys staring at him with their large, inquisitive eyes. Alarmed, he quickly got up and sat on the bed.

“Where am I? What happened to me?”

One of the boys reluctantly answered, “Well can’t you see? You’re in a hospital, of course. You had met with an accident.”

“Oh, come on, now!” Paul said, “Me? Accident? Don’t try to fool me. I know I’m one already. “

“You can ask the doctor himself. DOCTOR!”

“What now, child?”

“Tell him the truth. He doesn’t believe in us boys.”

The doctor said, frowning, “Well, these little boys found you lying on the road, unconscious. Kind souls, they have. Didn’t waste a moment in thinking. Brought you right here, to this hospital. Apparently, a car had hit you.”

Was this a dream? Firstly, why was he trying to cross that busy road himself? He had been warned against doing that. Secondly, was he out of his mind? How can he cross a road in such a state? And then, he remembered what had happened to him. His mockery at school, his mother’s angry phrase, how he thought his life was a waste, he had not forgotten a thing. He let go. After all, what would he do now?

“Come on, come with us. We saved you, you are our responsibility.” The two boys giggled.

Paul got up from the bed, and followed the younger boys. Wait and watch, he thought.

Their inquisitiveness was brought to life. “So who are you?” Paul stood still. Who was he? Was he a foolish, disobedient boy? Seeing the disturbed expression on Paul’s face, they said no more. “Fast now. Come behind us.”

Slowly they came out of the hospital building. Paul hesitated on hearing the loud buzz of traffic and blinding flash of daylight after coming out of silent, dim-lit surroundings. He wondered where they were going. Were the two boys leading him to his home? But why would they know where he lived? Or was this yet another trap, testing his foolishness? Wait and watch, he thought again, and let go.

After some time they spent walking, Paul couldn’t help asking them, “Where are we going?”

“To the Homeless Training Centre. You will learn to earn your own living. You’re homeless, aren’t you?”

“What?” Paul was alarmed. “Do you think I’m an orphan? I WANT TO GO HOME!”

“That’s alright. But first we should know the details of your house. And, this isn’t cakewalk.”

Paul looked around him. He had never seen this city before. Then he remembered, there was no such good hospital in and around his district. These immature boys, not understanding the need of emergency, must have brought him to this far-off hospital. Now what should he do? He was lost. “Well, I have no option but to move on.”, he said to himself.