Devotion

Chapter 24: Papa

(8 years ago)
Little Christina opened her eyes as she was still being carried by the man who had saved her, she should have been scared. He was a complete stranger who was much stronger than her, he could easily hurt or kill her. But something about this man felt comforting, he had an aura that made her feel safe and protected. Christina hadn't felt that way in years, for the longest time she had only felt fear and sadness. Her heart started to swell and something inside of her made a small smile appear on her face.

How long had it been since she had a genuine smile on her face, she couldn't remember. But, knowing she was free from the iron grip of the poor excuses of people who were supposed to he her parents she felt like she had a reason to smile again.

"Are you ok" the man asked, his voice was deep and calming. Christina's stomach growled. She hadn't had a proper meal in who knows how long,

"I'm hungry" she said. Christina hadn't realized how scratchy her voice was. Her throat was raw and itchy. She looked down at herself, despite her age she was smart. She knew the fact that she could see her ribs poking out wasn't healthy.

"Don't worry, I'll get you some food" he said. Christina was almost drooling at the thought of a meal,

"What's your name mister" she asked. The man chuckled,

"You can call me All For One" he answered. She nodded as she started to hum a tune to herself. Soon the two of them had arrived at an old looking log cabin. As she was carried inside Christina looked inside, there was a curious glint in her eyes.

"Is this where you live" she asked, the man gently set her down on the ground finally getting a good look at her appearance. She had long brown hair that was matted with dirt and dust, her face, arms and legs were all covered in dirt. She wore a thin, ragged dress that had rips in several places along with being dirty. She had no shoes on. All For One also noticed that her right foot had a cut that was still bleeding a little. He looked down at Christina in concern, her ribs were poking out of her skin even poking through her dress. Her green eyes were dull, the look in them was nervous yet curious at the same time.

"Why don't you get cleaned up, then I'll get you some food" he said. Christina nodded, he picked her up again now seeing the cut on her foot, it was red and irritated with dried up blood around it. He took her to the bathroom. He made more horrifying discoveries when she had removed the dress she was wearing. Scars littered her back, they looked like they came from a whip. There were so many of them, it didn't seem like there was a part of her back left untouched. He was careful when he helped her clean up, Christina would occasionally hiss in pain.

Throughout the bath he had discovered scars all over her body. He finished giving her a bath giving her an old night gown,

"What about my foot" she said. He smiled at her,

"I'll wrap it up for you" he said. He did gently wrapping the wound. The young girl's stomach started to growl desperate for food.

"Come on, let's get you some food" he said, the girl gratefully followed the man into the kitchen. As she watched him food she could smell what he was cooking. All For One watched her eat the food without saying much. There was a smile present on her face the whole time. Now that she had been cleaned up and fed she looked much better. She was still unhealthy thin but that would change over time.

"You must be tired" he said, the little girl nodded.

"Thank you papa" she said before realizing what she had said.

"I'm sorry" she apologized, All For One leaned down gently patting her head.

"It's ok, you can call me that" he told her.