Odd One Out

He was very efficient in expanding his network. His friendly demeanour and socializing skills were thoroughly honed through the years and put to the best use. Within a span of the three days he was in Riverendale, he had already managed to befriend everyone living in and around his apartment complex and also managed to procure the contact details of a few people in high places. It was quite convenient in case he needed insider news. Although his information network was not as fast or as large as in his own home country, it still was quite useful.

It was a pity though, that he could not use those contacts to improve his financial situation the "normal" way as his sister ordered him to. That was why he was still a deadbeat editor- until he quit his job and focused on his freelance writing.

The orphanage was quite receptive to his calls and profusely thanked him for his generous donations. With his smooth talking skills and frequent contacts he managed to convince the Head Nun to set up an event specially for the kids.

There were a few other volunteers too that Rik had managed to rope in. He also collected some funds from an online charity fundraiser he created with the help of the orphanage.

It was decided that the next week, they would take the children on a field trip to the nearby dairy farm. Later, they would have a few games and a party before returning to the orphanage.

Rik managed to book a touring agency"s bus for a day. There weren"t many children. The system also chipped into the excitement by letting him have half of the reward money in advance and improving his organizational skills.

Finally, it was the day of the trip. The children were excited and were awake early in the morning. None of their faces showed any tiredness from staying awake late. They all were on their best behaviour and obeyed the Nuns to a T. Wearing their fanciest clothes, they strutted about being perfect little angels. Winter was almost nearing its end and the beginnings of spring were due.

"Are you all ready for an adventure?"

"Yes!"

"I can"t hear you!"

"YES!"

Rik tried to hype up the atmosphere the same way his teachers did during his schooling days. It was a bit bland and uncreative but it nevertheless worked to a certain extent.

It was not often that they got to go on an outing. Most of their outings consisted of going to the local fair or market. Sometimes it even was simply a picnic in the orphanage courtyard. Even if it was just a trip to a dairy farm, it was quite novel for them.

The kids filed into the bus in two straight orderly lines. The oldest of them was fifteen and the youngest, four. The volunteers handed them each a bag of goodies one by one as they boarded the bus.

Rik checked the names of all the kids to make sure none were missing.

When everyone boarded the bus, he finally made a pause. He asked a Nun, "Where is the kid named Doll? He hasn"t boarded yet."

The Nun looked a little uncomfortable. "Uh...."

Fortunately, the Head Nun came to her rescue plastering a stiff smile on her face. "He is still getting ready. He is rather slow so it takes him time," said she.

"So he is still inside?"

Before the Head Nun could reply, Rik had already strode towards the orphanage entrance. "Let me go get him. We are running late."

He hurried along the well maintained front yard and entered. In his haste, he mixed up his directions and forgot the way to the children"s rooms. In the end, he gave up trying to remember and checked every door he came across calling out, "Doll!"

To his disappointment, he didn"t find Doll even in the sleeping quarters. He wandered along the corridors searching. He suddenly stumbled across him as he was about to go back out to call the Nuns.

The barefoot nine year old child stood on his tiptoes staring out from a small window with his big, dull eyes. His chin rested on his arms and his white hair glowed against the light. Rik didn"t know why, but his heart ached at the sight.

"Doll?" he called out.

The small child didn"t hear him. He still stared out dazed. Rik realised that Doll was watching the proceedings from there. He neared him and gently tapped his shoulder. "Doll? Why aren"t you ready yet? We are about to leave."

The child was startled out of his reverie. He looked at him in fear and cautiousness. Like a little animal, his empty eyes regarded him tensely. Once he recognised Rik, he straightened himself and mumbled out a reply.

Rik couldn"t hear him very well but it vaguely sounded like, "I can"t go because I was bad."

"Well, it doesn"t matter today because today everyone gets to enjoy. So, boy, let"s get going," said he kindly.

Doll"s face brightened up a bit before dimming.

The child hesitated. He looked towards the side and asked tentatively, " Can Eeyore come too?"

His eyes lowered, he waited for permission.

"Eeyore?"

"Mm," Doll hummed in reply and looked at him expectantly.

Rik thought Eeyore was probably the kid"s favourite toy.

"Sure!"

At that moment, the child"s face was the brightest it had been in years.

....

As they were leaving the premises, Rik noticed something. "Boy, I think you forgot to take your Eeyore."

Doll, who just finished putting on his shoes, looked up at him puzzled. "He is already here with us," said he as he pointed at an empty spot near them," He just wanted to sit for a while. He said it was tiring to walk."

Rik tried to look for the toy but saw none. Then understanding dawned on him. So Eeyore was an imaginary friend. "Ah! I see. Is Eeyore your very nice friend?"

"Mn!" Doll nodded.

They headed to the bus where everyone were already sat. Before Doll took a step to board it, Rik handed him a small bag with a smile and told him, "Here, it"s got some snacks that you can share with your friend. There are a few surprises too."

Doll took it and looked at him, and said softly, "Thank you."

As Doll entered the bus, a hush fell over the children. They stared at him for a while before slowly resuming their conversations. None of them invited him to sit with them. Doll ignored most of it and sat on the frontmost empty seat near the Nuns.

"That is a nice person," said a little grey donkey to Doll.

Doll agreed and handed Eeyore a piece of a cookie. "Yum."