Chapter 487 Christopher
Christopher lay on Pearl's chest like a kitten, his hand resting on her.
Pearl thought about moving his hand but then heard him whisper, "Your heartbeat is so comforting."
He hugged her tighter.
In her five years as a war correspondent, she'd met many kids, but Christopher was different.
She felt something she couldn't explain.
His voice was soft and touching.
She carried him outside and, despite the dust, quickly got into a Tranquiloria military vehicle.
"Can you take us to the embassy?" she asked.
"Sure," the soldier replied, noticing her press badge and the boy she was holding.
It took over forty minutes to reach the embassy.
Once there, Pearl carried Christopher inside to find Raymond Phillips. She tried to hand Christopher over, but he clung to her.
"Don't worry. Raymond's from our country. He'll help us get home and find your parents."
Christopher might have been separated from his parents, or maybe he didn't have any.
All she could do was bring him to the embassy and let Raymond handle it.
But Christopher hid behind her, refusing to move or speak despite their efforts.
Raymond sighed. "If he won't talk and wants to stay with you, can you look after him for a bit? The fighting might pause for a few days. You can comfort him, and I'll contact some professionals."
Pearl felt Christopher grip her hand tighter and saw tears in his eyes.
She couldn't say no. "Alright."
She had already taken the photos she needed, so having him with her wouldn't be a problem.
"Please register here."
"Okay."
After registering, Pearl left with Christopher.
At another base, Leroy Das stood over a table while a man sat behind it.
"Mr. Stewart, Christopher has been sent as instructed," Leroy reported.
"Proceed as planned."
"Yes, sir." Leroy left.
Because of her status, Pearl stayed with the troops, allowing her to capture and report on events quickly.
With Raymond entrusting Christopher to her, she took him back to her tent. She didn't have any children's clothes, just a camouflage T-shirt.
She pulled him to her camp bed. "Wait here. I'll get some water."
Christopher nodded.
Pearl quickly brought a basin of warm water and gently pulled him closer. In minutes, she had cleaned him up.
A cute little boy emerged.
Christopher still had delicate hair. If there hadn't been a war and he hadn't been separated from his parents, he would be a very happy little boy.
Pearl gently touched his head and asked, "What's your name? Why don't you want to stay at the embassy?"
"I've never met my parents," Christopher mumbled, looking down.
His voice was hoarse and sad.
Pearl had been in Serenea for five years, seeing everything from minor skirmishes to major conflicts. If Christopher had never met his parents, they must have been gone from the start.
'Poor kid.'
"Don't you have a name?" Pearl asked, pouring him a glass of water.
Christopher didn't take the water or speak again. He looked like a child who felt guilty and deeply hurt.
Pearl's heart ached. She hadn't expected him to have psychological issues.
But in a war-torn place, kids often did.
She had always thought about doing a special report on children and the elderly to unite peace-loving people worldwide. Maybe it could help stop the war.
Pearl held Christopher's hand. "If you don't have a name, can I give you one?"
She had thought Christopher, in his white shirt, looked like a wealthy businessman's kid from Tranquiloria.
But now it seemed his clothes were probably picked from a garbage heap.
Christopher had never met his parents, likely because they had an accident when he was very young, and he couldn't remember them.
"My name is Christopher," he said slowly.
"Christopher," Pearl repeated, smiling.
"You can stay with me for a few days. When the time comes, I'll take you to the embassy. But for now, I might not be able to take care of you properly."
Raymond had mentioned a ceasefire, but things could change anytime.
Since she had Christopher with her, she needed to explain things clearly.
Christopher looked at her with tear-filled eyes, pleading, "I have nowhere to go. Can you... keep me?"
He spoke slowly, and Pearl realized his words came out haltingly when he spoke at length.
He looked about five years old, and she understood why he didn't want to go to the embassy.
"I don't have a stable place to live, and I might not be able to take care of you properly. But don't worry, I'll make sure everything is arranged for you. You must be hungry. Let me find some food for you."
Christopher nodded.
He was pitiful, but many others were in worse situations.
She had come here and chosen this profession, so she had to be responsible.
Having Christopher with her would only hold her back.
Soon, Pearl brought back two sweet potatoes. "It's not mealtime yet. Given the war here, Christopher, fill your stomach with these first."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
