=1994=

Christmas was just around the corner and little Kiaan was super excited. For a four year old, this time of the year was a sweet filled platter. Gifts, cake and chocolates; what else did an innocent child need?

Running towards the door Kiaan jumped onto his Mama's arms as her laughter made every inch of his soul warm. Ruffling his hair, Kiaan's dad gave him a biggest grin and brought out some chocolates. As he bent down to give his son a peck on his cheeks, Kiaan could smell the familiar odour of disinfectant which teased his senses and he sneezed.

By profession they were both doctors at the local hospital and often looking at them; being inspired Kiaan too wanted to be one.

"Bless you," Mama gave him a kiss as he ran back to the window and witnessed like every year his favourite snowfall.

"Our son lost interest in us once he got what he wanted," Kiaan heard his dad complain and all he could do was chuckle. Feeling for the bar of candy in his pocket Kiaan's gaze traveled far beyond the snow filled path. They lived at the outskirts of a small town where the locals were few in number and nature abundant. For Kiaan this place was his heaven and he loved it to his core. It was peaceful and quiet at best.

He was suddenly joined by an eager Indigo, a huge Saint Bernard, who slapped Kiaan's butt with his tail. Not one to let go, the young kid pushed Indigo away only for him to pounce back and slobber the child's face. Unwilling to back down, the main reason for so much love was for a sole reason that there was a piece of chocolate stashed in Kiaan's pocket that Indigo had sniffed from afar. 

"Indigo, No!"

His whine was cute but the Saint Bernard couldn't fool Kiaan.

Petting and cajoling, Kiaan reminisced the day, nine months ago when he found Indigo amidst a snowstorm. He was few weeks old and Kiaan's heart knew that they were meant to be together. His parents tried their best to search for Indigo's owners or mother but to no avail. Since then Indigo had taken permanent residency at Wang household and the two have been inseparable.

"Kiaan, did you feed Indigo his dinner?"

"Yes Mama."

"Are you sure? Dad and I found his bowl empty."

That's strange. Kiaan remembered having filled Indigo's bowl. Sprinting towards the garage where Indigo was usually fed, Kiaan indeed found his bowl was empty.

Strange.

Shaking his head, Kiaan filled it again and turned towards Indigo, "This is your lucky night. Getting fed twice; but if in case I truly forgot then I am sorry buddy. Won't happen again."

Nudging Kiaan's thigh; Indigo happily munched away as they walked back home.

That night with Indigo cuddled next to him; Kiaan was happy and content.

Next few days were simply chaotic as Kiaan was busy making list of things he needed to ask Santa Claus. As he glanced at the page in front of him, it was as blank as the day he planned to fill it up. Nothing came to his mind. Kiaan had everything he needed, yet something was missing.

"Indigo, what do you want? Tell me and I shall write it down for Santa."

The dog simply wagged it's tail and Kiaan rolled his eyes, "Of course. You would just ask for food and more treats. I wish life was as simple."

That night his dad causally enquired; "So, did you make up your list for me to-" clearing his throat he continued, "for Santa to buy?"

Kiaan was busy watching cartoon on TV to pay heed to the slip up of his dad. At other end of the room, his mother glared at her husband and cautioned him of the repercussions.

"I don't want toys this year."

"Oh! Then what is it that you want?"

"I want a friend," he answered casually.

Surprised by the admission; his mom came towards the the living room and asked softly, "A friend?"

"Yup."

"Isn't Indigo your friend?"

"He is, but all Indigo does is wag his tail. I want someone to play with; who laughs when I say something; who gets as excited to share his chocolates with me. There are no kids my age to even play at the park."

It was true. At such remote place, with residences housed fare away, one would not find many kids. Both parents were shocked at his innocent request. How sould one react to such plea?

Ruffling Kiaan's head his dad grinned, "Well I hope you find someone to play with."

With a nod the child continued watching cartoon on TV while his parents conversed softly, "Kevin, do you think we should go back to the city?"

"Having signed a bond with the hospital here; it would be difficult for us to leave, more so no doctors from city would come this far to serve. Do you think it's right on our part not to provide medical service?"

"But Kevin-"

"Don't worry too much Tonya. Kiaan is still a kid. He personally has never complained too much. If he gets lonely, we'll go back to the city. If things get too difficult then we can try commuting between these two places. Let's wait and see how things materialize."

Acquiesced for now Tonya smiled and hoped that Santa could indeed send an amazing friend for their only child.

Little did Tonya know that as she prayed, a miracle had snuck into their barn and like every night it stole some of Indigo's food, because in the end that was all that miracle could afford.

Another person to keenly observe the case of missing food was Kiaan; because every night he was admonished by his parents for forgetting to place food in Indigo's bowl.

At first Kiaan assumed that Indigo had probably already consumed his meal and yet whined for more; but then soon he found out that was not the case. His food every night was genuinely missing. Thus, like a Detective Conan whom he aspired to be, Kiaan set out vigil that night and he was so surprised with that outcome.

"Hey!"

The boy who was scrambling for food was stunt at being caught red handed for stealing crumbles from a dog's bowl.

Scared of being punished; he was about to run away when owner of the voice came to stand behind him. Turning slowly he murmured a prayer and raised his gaze to meet the voice who appeared to be same as his age.

"Here!"

The boy was not expecting this.

"If you're hungry then have my sandwich. Please don't make Indigo starve."

'This boy was more concerned for his dog than himself! How is that possible?' The boy thought to himself.

"What were you just murmuring?" The voice questioned again.

"A prayer," came the reply.

"What's your name?"

"I don't have one."

"Since you were praying and don't have a name, I'll call you Angel."

"Shouldn't that be yours for feeding me?"

Kiaan was surprised hearing this. Never before had anyone revered him with such respect.

"No. I have a name and it's Kiaan Wang."

After a moment of hesitation the boy now with a name grinned and replied, "Hi Kiaan, my name is Angel Wang."

Smiling on hearing his surname, Kiaan enquired, "You're going to take my last name too?"

"Shouldn't I? You gave me a name; so I'll take your last name too."

A warm pair of blue eyes gazed back Kiaan and he instantly knew Santa granted his wish.

|𝄞Epic |

An epic poem is a lengthy, narrative work of poetry. These long poems typically detail extraordinary feats and adventures of characters from a distant past. The word “epic” comes from the ancient Greek term “epos,” which means “story, word, poem.”

A/n: I hope you liked this first chapter. Quite different from how I usually pace my story. I hope you enjoy this epic journey as much as Kiaan, Angel and me ... along with Indigo.