Cold Water

Part 15 - Smile on Your Face

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Sorry for the late update and thank you for not leaving me   (＾▽＾)

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A boy about 12 years old is walking alone, holding a fruit ice cream in his right hand, while in his left hand holding a plastic bag. He was busy licking the ice cream until his attention was distracted by the sound of crying from a playground not far from where he was standing now.

The boy observes the surroundings. Wondering who is crying at the amusement park at this time of the night! The watch is showing half past ten at night. His friends should be sleeping because they still have to go to school tomorrow. If you ask why the child is still roaming the streets, he has just returned from his part-time job.

The boy seemed to think for a moment, while thinking whether it was a human voice or a ghost as his friends often told him. Then he remembered about his mother's words, if you are curious about something, get rid of your curiosity but be careful for each step. Finally, after thinking for a while the boy decided to check out the playground, who knew there was someone who needed help.

The boy was looking for source of crying sound, his steps are cautious but still certain. His hand holding the plastic bag, the grip became tighter as the cry sounded louder. His eyes closed slightly so that at any time if he saw something bad he would quickly run away right then.

The boy arrived at a twin slide, beside it there is a small cave in the shape of a rabbit head. When he arrived in front of the rabbit cave, the sound of crying was louder and louder, as the boy stepped more slowly. The boy was still a little hesitant about checking it or not, but when he heard the sound of toys that he often heard from his friends, he immediately jumped into the cave.

He was shocked when he found a little boy who looked much younger than himself crying with snot that had reached the mouth and hands holding toys. His eyes look puffy with pale cheeks considering the cold weather outside.

"Why are you here alone?" The older one asked slowly.

The younger one sniffs loudly enough to produce a sound, which the older boy thought was quite funny.

"My.. my parents left me.." the child said, while still crying. While the boy just smiled at that.

"Here, drink this warm milk first" the boy handed him the plastic bag he was carrying. The child accepts it and drinks it immediately.

"Thank you."

"Okay, okay, don't cry. People will think it's a ghost if you cry at this time" The boy pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped the tears and snot of the child.

The kid just nodded while he was busy drinking the warm milk which he felt quite soothing for his cold cheeks.

"Do you want to come to my house? I think it would be better. I will help you find your parents tomorrow"

"Hm"

The child nodded happily, he immediately stood up. Standing together like this, the boy realised that the younger one is only as high as his elbow. The child hands the toy over to the older one, who puts it in his own pocket. Then he crouched down to position himself.

"Come on. I'll carry you home."

The younger one immediately climbs onto his back without further ado. They smiled brightly at each other with sparkling eyes.

They both left the park towards the highway. Both were silent for a long time until the older child decided to talk.

"My name is Xiao Zhan. What's your name?"