Delta Mike

Now, in telling and retelling this story it would be fair, and justifiable, to detail the daily humiliations and tragedies that befell orphans of this particular war, which were innumerable in both the former and latter points. But to acknowledge the extent of suffering and not to mention Daniel’s happy indifference to it all would also be an injustice to him, for Daniel was a truly happy baby, and brought much mirth and satisfaction to the orderlies, nurses and children of the Maku Clinic. Come fever, hunger, thirst or injury, Daniel would find simple contentment in the mere touch of another and help a similar power over others in his reciprocation of tactile gesture. 

At times, Daniel would be encouraged to mingle with the other infants who would not settle, desperate as they were for affection of mother or filling of stomach. Daniel had an unspoken (or, more specifically an ungurgled) power, or quality, which would render the inconsolable consoled. At every opportunity he would stare deep into the eyes of anyone that could bear to gaze upon such handsome features, and he would smile so generously that he would air his pink gums to the world, often releasing monosyllabic vents of happiness; pips of contentment; or belches of gas from his empty stomach, followed always by expressions of relief and gratitude. Even in the utter stupidity that is a necessary adjunct of infancy, Daniel appeared to understand a great deal more that the others, and was apparently endlessly comforted in this confidence, having never made occasion to form any sort of sad outburst whatsoever.