25th December, 1994

Watching snow fall through the window; Angel closed his eyes and sighed with heavy heart. Thinking back to Mr. Wang's enquiry on his poor health; Angel had no qualms in answering the truth, but he also knew the truth should never be revealed.

"How are you feeling?"

The moment Angel opened his eyes, his gaze landed on a man who appeared to be quite concerned and truth be spoken, Angel had never before seen any adult in his life appear as concerned as the man in front of him.

"Where-" Angel cleared his throat before asking, "Where am I?"

"Don't you remember? We found you inside our barn by my son's side."

"Kiaan?"

"Yes. He's my son."

Feeling a bit relieved that the man in front wasn't going to harm him, Angel relaxed visibly and this did not go unnoticed by Kevin. The moment this child heard his son's name, it had a great impact on his anxiety.

"Have you met Kiaan before last night?"

"No. It was the first time we met."

Seeming appeased Kevin enquired further, "Where are your parents?"

This was one question or few of many that Angel never wanted to answer and thus he chose to maintain his silence.

As expected, Kevin knew the traits too well. Having witnessed many kids clam up when asked this question, he just perceived the background Angel must be coming from.

"It's alright. You're safe here. You need to eat and drink well-" pausing to look squarely at the kid, he continued; "But not the dog food you've been sneaking around and eating. Stay here until you're healthy."

Angel could not believe his ears. "My pa-"

"Don't worry about anything. You're Kiaan's friend. You'll always be welcomed here."

As Angel saw the retreating man's back, he couldn't believe that Mr. Wang's letting him stay here.

Was this all a prank?

Were his cousins sneaking around and soon going to barge in and take him away?

Didn't they just the other day hand him a gun and say it's a toy?

At that moment there was a knock which broke Angel's reverie and he noticed it was his new and only friend from last night, Kiaan.

"Hey!"

Making his way towards Angel, Kiaan was glad that his friend was safe and though he appeared pale, yet right at this very moment for Kiaan, Angel looked radiant.

An excited Indigo pounced on the bed and licked the boy who shared a sandwich with him last night.

Taking a seat by Angel's leg; Kiaan smiled warmly and greeted, "Merry Christmas."

Shocked, Angel tried to remember when was the last time someone greeted him this eagerly. The answer was never.

"Merry Christmas to you too Kiaan."

"What's your wish Angel?"

"My wish?"

"Yes! Your wish." Clasping Angel's hand Kiaan was excited, "It's said that any wish on Christmas will be fulfilled."

Really? This Angel could not believe but watching Kiaan's exuberance, Angel did not have it in him to say otherwise.

"I don't have any wish."

Kiaan was disappointed hearing this. "How can you not have any wishes? Everyone has one!"

"What was yours?"

Without much thought Kiaan blurted out, "To have a friend and my wish came true. I got you!"

Time stopped for Angel. He couldn't believe the words that came out of Kiaan's mouth. He had wished for Angel? Did he truly mean that?

"You wished for me?" Angel could still not believe those words.

"Yup!"

Tightening their clasp Angel prayed for what he said next, "Then I wish for you to be my family."

Immediately Kiaan cupped Angel's mouth with his small hand and shook his head frantically, "You're not supposed to say your wishes aloud!"

"Buhhh-yuh--"

"What?"

Tapping Kiaan's hand that covered his mouth; Angel indicated for him to remove.

"Sorry. What were you saying?"

"But you just asked me for my wish."

"I did; but that was for you to think and pray. Not reveal it out loud."

Shaking his head Angel grinned, "You're something else Kiaan. Anyway it does not matter. Everything that I say, I wish for you to always listen to them."

Shocked; Kiaan enquired, "Why?"

The answer was always simple, "Because you're my family."

Days passed by and every second Angel became part of the Wang family. Kevin and Tonya were happy to have their Kiaan smile and they were glad that Angel was no longer suffering from being at the brink of pain. His skin was becoming clearer and they were ecstatic to have another son in their family.

Indigo got another friend who fed him more than Kiaan. On some days Kiaan felt Indigo's loyalty was tending more favourable towards Angel than him; but he wasn't sad at the least. 

Kevin and Tonya had found out Angel's roots and that the boy had indeed been neglected by his own family. His mother was a hooker and father a pimp. His cousins were a part of low group gangsters who had committed atrocities against people of their community. They tried seeking Angel's custody from them but it wasn't until New Year that they became successful.

On the eve of New Year the Wangs were called back to the hospital for emergencies. Kiaan's usual babysitter agreed to take care of two boys and as midnight approached, they along with Indigo sneaked up to the roof and waited with bated breath to greet the year ahead together.

Hand in hand Angel covered them both in a warm blanket while Indigo snuggled next to him; and as they could hear the count down, Angel's eyes stayed on his friend for a little longer. Fireworks lit up the sky and Kiaan's face struck with awe. Angel's heart filled with warmth and at that moment he chose to kiss Kiaan's cheek.

Shocked; the boy glanced back at Angel and just then chorus of cheers rung out. It was New Year.

"Happy New Year Kiaan."

Gracing a loving smile; Kiaan kissed Angel on his cheeks and wished him softly, "Happy New Year."

That night sneaking into Kiaan's bed; they held eachothers hand and slept peacefully.

1st January, 1995

The day greeted two children with news that their parent's had officially gained custody of Angel and that from that day on Angel was truly a Wang. Unable to contain their excitement, Kevin and Tonya made it a memorable day for the two kids. Angel could not believe that he finally had family and a friend who solely belonged to him.

That night the Wangs were called back to the hospital and yet again they had to leave their children with the babysitter.

Crouching; Tonya hugged them goodnight and Kevin kissed them to sleep. Together again, Angel held Kiaan's hand and the memories of past few days made him all the more happier.

2nd January, 1995
01:00am

A crash woke them up and Angel instantly recognised all the voices. Urging Kiaan and Indigo to hide, he was about to step out when something within Kiaan did not want Angel to leave.

"Don't."

Pushing him inside the closet Angel spoke frantically, "No matter what; don't come out. I'll be back soon."

"Please don't leave."

The look Angel gave was forlorn and Kiaan knew that if his best friend leaves, there is no coming back. That one second was enough for Kiaan to know Angel was leaving.

Lifting his shirt, Angel untied the talisman string from around his waist which his grandmother had given him for protection and tied it around Kiaan's neck. "Keep this safely with you. One day this string will guide you back to me. I promise we'll meet again."

Lifting Kiaan's finger; Angel locked it with his and just like that he was gone in blink of an eye.

Their babysitter was injured but the Wangs found Kiaan safe and secured hiding inside the closet with Indigo protecting him. 

Thos assailants were relatives of Angel who had come over to Kiaan's house to reclaim their heir. After losing custody to Wangs, they were furious and wanted their punching bag back in territory.

The Wangs left their old home and migrated towards a new city. As for Kiaan he always remembered the boy who was his family, but sadly there was no trace of Angel ever found again.

A narrative poem is a type of poem that tells a story. Narrative poems tend to be quite long. They tell a story like in a novel and also use rhythm and rhyme, like in a poem.

A/n: So, do tell me if you liked this chapter. Your comments are highly appreciated. Much love.