Ode of the Missing

About twenty years ago a great tragedy struck the hearts of a young married couple. Shortly after the birth of their first born, the child was abducted. Malena was on her way home from the doctor's office when the most frightening man ran in front of her car, pulled her out and threw her into the streets. Grabbing the four month old baby, he disappeared before anyone could catch him.

Although Malena's driver ran after the kidnapper, the child was not to be found. This child was taken from Royalty, as his Mother was the reining Queen of the Isle of Toviana. Her husband sent an army to search the Isle but came up childless. In the years to come, they were informed that their child had been sold to a child peddling agency on the Japanese black market. Their search was never ending, as they were determined to find their baby boy.

During the black market transfer of multiple children, one infant was forgotten and left behind. The child was discovered by an American crane operator as he moved cargo about the docks.

The baby was emaciated and near death when Mr. Buckan noticed the bundle of rags wedged between barrels on a cargo pallet. He called 911 emergencies and the baby was immediately taken to the hospital.

After several weeks of intensive and loving care, the child was released to the County's Child Protective Agency. Subsequently, the infant was put up for adoption.

A childless couple applied and within the year the child was legally adopted by these loving parents. They named their son Daniel. The child had a meager but happy childhood. His parents taught him love and understanding. His wants were not prevalent as the joys of his family overshadowed any material needs.

At age eighteen, the day after graduation from high school, his family booked a vacation to celebrate their son's achievements. Upon returning home, the family was joyous and singing with the radio. Unfortunately, a drunk driver decided to be on the road that night. Both parents were killed outright but their son, Daniel, had once again escaped a near-death experience.

After physically recovering from his injuries, Daniel decided to sell what he could from the homestead to pay for college. He was now the sole financial supporter of his future. Although the drunk was sent to prison, he had no financial offerings to help Daniel recover from his losses. Between the funeral cost and his hospital bills, Daniel barely had enough money left from the sell of his family's home to set up housekeeping.

He took a small, dingy, one-bedroom apartment on the south-side of town to save money. Prudently, he decided to attend the local community college because the tuition was within his means. He obtained employment to cover his living expenses and successfully continued this lifestyle for nearly a year and a half.

One blistery day in early December, Daniel came home from school only to find that a few things in his apartment were out of place.

Concerned that intruders had come to rob him, he immediately checked the spice jar for his hidden 'stash'. The $50 was still there. Daniel was relieved and continued to check for anything else that might be missing.