Chapter 236 - The Islet Mystery 52

A tropical depression hit the place, making Ryan and Shiela unable to go back to the island for many days. Strong winds caused big waves and travel by boat or yacht was impossible. One night, as Shiela and Ryan strolled on the shore with some other couples or groups, they saw a boy from a distance, selling out something they could not figure out. Some people paused to look at his items while others pushed him away.

"Neil, the boy seems familiar," Shiela creased his brows, to get a clearer view.

"Looks like Yanyan," agreed Ryan.

"Let's go near him," Shiela suggested but instead of waiting for Ryan's approval, she pulled his arm and walked ahead.

"Alright, let's go. Just walk beside me," Ryan laughed as he watched her at arm's distance.

He then placed an arm around her shoulders while keeping their eyes on the boy. As they got closer, they saw the boy approaching a man. They could already hear him this time.

"Sir, shells, and corals for souvenirs," the boy then showed his items to the man.

"Boy, where are your parents?" the man scowled, and the boy stepped back in fear.

"Sir..." the boy could no longer say another word since the man spoke again in a threatening tone.

"Do you know that selling corals is illegal? I will report you to the police!" roared the man, and the boy ran in fear. 

As the boy ran past them, Ryan and Shiela recognized him and confirmed that he was Yanyan, indeed.

"Yanyan, stop!"

Rya and Shiela called out simultaneously but Yanyan did not listen. This made Ryan ran after him until he caught him at the remote part of the shore where wild mangroves grew. Big boulders of rocks sprawled around and Yanyan hid in one of those.

"Yanyan! Don't be afraid. It's me, I'll protect you," Ryan coaxed when he no longer sensed movement behind the boulders.

Shiela finally caught up with him and she joined in calling him out.

"Yanyan, it's us. Don't be afraid, we will never harm you."

When there was still no movement, Shiela called out again. "Yanyan, I would like to buy all your shells and corals. I will use it as house decoration."

"I'll just leave the money here then just put the shells and corals when you decide to come out."

Still, there was no movement. Shiela called out again and said, "Yanyan, I want more of it. Can you add some more? You can also put it here, later."

A rustle of the mangrove leaves answered her but Yanyan did not come out yet.

"Yanyan, when I was little, I also sold garlands in church. I wanted to help my father to earn a living. Aside from that, I also gathered firewoods and exchanged them for pads of paper from my teachers. I understand why are you selling so I will never report you to the police."

Ryan winced as he stared at Shiela. Was she telling the truth or was it only a trick for Yanyan to come out?

The mangrove leaves rustled again, and slowly, Yanyan's head popped out. Ryan and Shiela squatted on the sand and waited until he comes near.

'Ma'am, you want to buy my shells and corals?" Yanyan asked shyly. He was already wearing an old, black sweater which turned brownish already.

"Yes!" answered Shiela while picking up a paper bill inside her wallet. "How much is that?"

Yanyan stared at the money then shook his head, "I'll just give all these to you. You gave me food and toys so I would also like to give what I have to you."

Shiela shook her head also, and insisted, "Yanyan, what we gave you were our gifts. Those were not items for selling."

Yanyan stared at her again and nodded. "Okay, since I will use it to buy rice, I will let you pay half the price."

Ryan and Shiela wondered how Yanyan learned to count. All the children who remained on Isla Uno did not go to school. And since his parents were already old as what that parent on the island told them, they could never send him to school.

"Yanyan, are you attending school?" Shiela asked.

"No, but my parents taught me how to read, write and do the math."

"Wow! Can we meet them also and thank them for the amazing way they brought you up? We will also talk to them about the offer to let you stop working in Chara plantation."

"That's not possible. My parents do not want to see someone," he answered but the glints in his eyes suggested that he got afraid.

Ryan threw a glance at Shiela, telling her not to insist. He shifted the topic that would make him comfortable. 

"Yanyan, how did you come here. The waves are high and it is not safe to travel by boat," Ryan asked, his curiosity rising higher in every information they got from him.

"I was already here three days ago," Yanyan answered casually like it was something he enjoyed doing.

"What? Where do you stay?" Shiela asked, horrified at the thought of him staying out in the cold wind and strong rain.

"Under the rock, it's not cold there and the rain can't get in."

"You're not afraid? What about your food?"

Shiela's eyes widened as she listened to him. She could never imagine how could an eight-year-old boy like him be so tough and stay out unafraid of the dark. Aside from that, there could be snakes, wild insects, animals, and ghosts.

Shiela could no longer hold back her tears. Children his age are still dependent upon the adults to take care of them and here he is, alone and fending for himself.

"Yanyan, can I take care of you? Can I talk to your parents about this?"

"No!" he shook his head vigorously, "I will never leave them."

"You will not leave them. We will bring them with us."