Bringing Home A Stranger

Isabella Gonzalez

It was a tiring day at school today as the finals were nearing. The weather was moderate as usual. I thought of going home soon. Because, Dad has invited his friends for dinner.

I didn’t come in my car today. I just gave my driver an off because, I really want to walk today. School was done early.

While I was strolling in the streets taking my own time, I came across a young boy Who was running away from……. something?

By looking at him, I could guess that he was at least six years younger than me. He looked like he was twelve.

When I approached him, he looked really Scared. The more I stepped forward, the more he stepped backwards.

“Fermati…Resta lì” {Stop…Stay there} he stammered as he moved backwards. All this while, he didn’t even raise his head to look at me.

I figured out that he spoke Italian. ‘God! I did learn to speak Italian in school, but I have never spoken it practically, because I am quite poor in it!’

I decided to follow my flow of words and talk to him in Italian. “Calmati…non ti feriró” {Calm down….I won’t hurt you} I said, as I tried to hold his hand.

The moment he heard his language, he looked up.. shocked. He stared at me. He was quite unsure whether to reach out or not for my hand. After a lot of internal arguments in his mind, he reached out for me and suddenly hugged me.

Minutes later, I heard a bark. Wait what….A bark? I turned to see a cute Alaskan Malmate growling at me. He looked like he was a pet, basically a trained dog. He was ready to attack me.

“Stop Amzi.” The boy told and the dog immediately stood still and calm. I looked at the boy with hundred questions visible in my eyes.

{Amzi- Aumzee) ‘My Strength’ }

“I am Orlando. I lost my way from the airport because of unexpected circumstances. I would request you to contact this number xxxxxx and let the receiver know my location.” Orlando introduced himself and spoke in a very formal way with his Italian accent.

I was quite impressed by this lil’ kid. Now, both Orlando and Amzi? Were looking at me with hopeful eyes. ‘So cute!’

“Umm….Why don’t you come to my house and wait over there? It’s just I don’t feel that this place is safe for you as you were just being chased here.” I told him. He decided to follow me to my house. We were quite near my house, and in just another fifteen minutes walk we would reach my gate.

I decided to piggy back Orlando. He was quite embarrassed and was reluctant. But, seeing me stubborn, he finally gave in.

This was a new experience for me to give someone a piggy back. It has always been my elder brother who gave me such rides. Amzi was following us from behind. He was vigilant with our surroundings.

Finally, we reached my place. “Welcome home young lady.” Our butler greeted me. He was curious to know about the kid on my back who was asleep right now.

“Mr.Smith, I would request you to bring suitable casual clothes for this child.” I requested him and left to my room.

“Amzi, follow me closely.” I brought Amzi with me too. Orlando was in deep sleep. I called one of my maid to come and give him a warm sponge bath and change to the clothes provided by the butler.