The Happiest Boy in the World - Ch 5

He couldn’t wait to get home. He trudged on through the city. During his journey, everything started seeming more defined. Everything had started showing its own importance to Paul. The vendors, who sold open food on the street, were important so that the slightly poor people could enjoy such sweets. He couldn’t criticize the street vendor. It was an important source of living for him.

He saw the people fighting with the cops, for not being able to arrest the guilty. Instead, he believed people should cheer them on. They could do it; they could carry out their job properly. Nothing is impossible. Reaching home through such a big city and walking such a long distance was possible for Paul.

He started thinking what he would tell his mother on reaching home. Firstly, he would apologize, apologize with all his heart. Then he would tell her about his journey. “No, bad idea”, he thought. He didn’t want to make her cry.

The sun was beginning to set. The sky had become a shade of pinkish-orange, and the clouds were arranged in such a beautiful manner that it was a sight worth watching. This brought peace and quiet to Paul’s mind. He had now crossed the city, and had reached some familiar parts near to his home. He was in no such hurry, but he couldn’t stop missing his parents. Such positive nostalgia pacified his heart and made him feel happy.

He inhaled the fresh air of the fields, refreshing his lungs.   He started thinking about the few days that had passed. He had learned so much from kids, who were younger in age than him! He promised himself not to judge anyone from his size or age. Being judgemental is so not cool, he thought.

Now he entered his district. Butterflies were fluttering inside his stomach. Meeting his parents after such a long period of isolation, he couldn’t wait. He trod on the roads, greeting many people he knew on the way, until he looked at his house.

He was in front of the front door, hands stretched out towards the bell, trembling. He drew a deep breath, and pushed the bell. His mother opened the door. Before he could say something to her, she threw her arms upon him and hugged him tightly. He returned the hug. Tears were in their eyes, but no, not of grief, but of happiness. He was the happiest boy in the world.