Tom the Little Man

followed the prophet as if he was under a spell. It was perilous time and he was too happy to sense any danger. The end of my misery had come, he thought. But Wusel walked beside the poor soul whos

roached a bend, two hefty men who wore mask appeared. They brandished their weapons and fell on the travelers. One of the thieves knocked Tom over with a single blow and the other pinned the prophet to the wall. Panting like a terrified lizard, the little man tried to escape. But th

lanced at Wusel, "They have stolen my money!" He lowered his head, banging the old earth. But Wusel crossed his arms over his body and masked his face with a frown. "It's you

himself up and ran after h

through some buildings. Tom tried to follow but lost him. The little man was very confused as he stood akimbo. He looked at every direction, for it was

the progression of days. Six flats, including Tom's apartment were on fire. Little children played with matches in the kitchen and they had caught the building on fire. Flames were out of control and fires were breaking out everywhere. People wailing and flames pierced the dark n

mptiness, which were so much for the little man to bear. Hard times had struck and swept Tom off his feet. Finally, all that he had were gone, including the roof over his head. As the boughs of trees danc

he pondered where to pass the night, an idea flew into his head. Down the street was a public school. I can pass the night there, he thought. Then he carried himself to th

p at the man and stammered

d my help? Are you sure you

ands together, "No, I need

brow. "You are funny. This place i

ve lost everything," he managed to

building when it went up in flames!" He scratched his head. "Well, I would have loved

l leave at f

put me in trouble. This is

ds together. "Please, I promise. I will

"Don't let me wake you up tomorrow, little man. If you are seen by the school authorities, I will be queried for not taking permission before I allowed you pass the night, and I could lose my job!" He swallowed hard and chewed his

s. But just as the guard went back to his post, Tom sat on the couch with hand to chin,

and a bottle of wine. He sat beside the little man. "I know

an nodded an

er, "I am Baldwin. Listen, life is no bed of roses. Do me a favor, Tom. Put your sad times on the doorstep of the past. T

mptied it into his belly. He belched and their eyes met. "Thank you. It's a swee

wife and child have gone to meet our ancestors. Now I am left to spend the rest of

can still rema

l but it is expensive to

ly. "I will surely g

his feet, he placed the bottle of wine beside Tom. "You have the drink. Let me check the compound

night. Not long after, weariness weighed upon the little man, and he knew he must get som

e thieves and Priscilla. They quietly sha