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Long before Calculus, Haddock and even Snowy had came into his life, the nine-year-old Tintin was always on his own. For reasons known only to himself, he spent his first years in an orphanage in Brussels, Belgium. But, after his ninth birthday, he ran off to Paris, France. There, he became the apprentice of the famous reporter, Adele Blanc-Sec.
Cold, sarcastic and self-involved, Adele was not on board with having a student-especially one so young. She didn’t even believe the strawberry-blonde runaway was an orphan until detectives had informed her. These bumbling detectives were none other than Thompson and Thomson. Just by looking at their clumsy antics, Adele was compelled to have Tintin in her stead. Him being quite sufficient for his age also helped. Yet, with all of the dangers Blanc-Sec had and would face, little Tintin had to live away from her.
So, Tintin was sent back to Brussels but had to live in an apartment all by himself. When she wasn’t busy, Adele would visit in various disguises. She’d review Tintin’s works and trained him in martial arts, weaponry, cultures and so much more.
Then November rolled around when Adele went to New York City, U.S.A for her own, personal holiday. After much begging, Tintin was allowed to go. For his assignment, he just had to go to a high-class Thanksgiving ball and write a report on it. Simple as that. Especially since it was Adele, herself, who had arranged the invite for him.
The sad part was, being at the party was easier said than done! Poor Tintin tried to get an interview with the guest, but was brushed to the side. Even the other children would give him the time of day. This shindig was much too fun to sit and talk! It was especially too fun to answer the door bell. That's what servants are for! When the door was answered (by a maid), there stood a little 7-year-old girl with curly strawberry-blonde hair, large blue eyes and a dusty plaid skirt.
At the time, American children went on a Ragamuffin Parade for Thanksgiving. Dressed in rags, they'd go door-to-door for handouts of food. Tintin, the guest and the hosts were fully aware of this tradition, yet the poor girl still got the door slammed in her face. Much to the quiet disgust of Tintin.
When no one was looking, he snagged a napkin full of ham and cornbread, sneaked out the door and rushed to the direction where the girl went.
Soon enough, Tintin had found the girl as she was getting bullied by a trio of boys. Said three seemed a bit older but wore the same kind of plaids as the little girl.
Tintin accidentally dropped the napkin of food to rush to her aid. But, the girl had already punched out two of the three ruffians-chasing them away. Poor Tintin was about to be the next target when he explained himself and gained her trust. The two even exchanged names with the girl introducing herself as “Annie”.
Unfortunately, the ham and cornbread were wasted on the filthy ground. Downtrodden, Annie thanked Tintin for, at least, trying to help her. As she was about to leave, Tintin got an idea. Before Annie knew it, she and Tintin were enjoying ice cream sodas!
During this fun, Annie revealed to Tintin that she and the three bullies live in an orphanage (which is why they wear the same uniforms). The reveal didn't surprise Tintin as his Belgian orphanage had uniforms too.
This sparked sympathy and curiosity in Annie; What’s he doing here in the states? Why did he pick Miss. Blanc-Sec as his teacher and not his mother? Doesn't he want a family? Just think: an adopted family…with a dog!
Thoughtful as he was about those inquiries, Tintin backed out. Yes, he's alone. But, he's free. Even with Blanc-Sec. There's no one to tie him down!
Needless to say, Annie took offense to that last part. But Tintin quickly explained himself; he can always have friends. Friends always come and go. Families…they're supposed to be forever…
“Yet…”, Tintin looked down, “We're still orphans. …I couldn't protect my parents. I was just a baby. But, I'm not sorry. One day, I'll be big and strong. I can protect myself and everyone else too. I know I will!”
With a confident smile, Tintin took Annie to the candy store. Once out, they each had four bags of sweets that were not for them but for the kids at Annie’s home. Well,more specifically, the home of Miss.Asthma. a very crossed Miss. Asthma.
Not only did Annie “savagely” beat three innocent boys, but she got home late, brought back junk food and has been out with a boy! And a foreign boy at that!
Tintin and Annie tried to explain themselves but the wicked matriarch was having none of it. Annie was made to give Tintin the bags of candy and bade him a meek “Goodbye”.
Miss. Asthma was about to ask Tintin of his parents, in came Adele Blanc-Sec (in disguise of a frumpy old woman).
Adele had gone to the party to pick Tintin up only for her to find him missing and her so-called “friends” paying the situation no mind! So, all through New York City, Adele had to search high and low for a little boy with a bottom nose and a scruffy quiff. Thanks to witnesses and store owners, Adele had managed to track her ward down to “The Home”. There, to her relief and anger, she had found Tintin.
But before she could deal with the boy, Adele was confronted by Miss. Asthma. Explanations, insults, and snarks were exchanged until Asthma slammed the door in a huff. With Annie looking out the opened window, Adele-having been told by Tintin as to what had happened-gave Annie the candy bags. Grateful, she and the other orphans enjoyed the sweets whenever Miss. Asthma wasn't looking.
As for Adele and Tintin, the tension softened as they had returned to their respective hotel rooms. Eventually, they'd return home to Europe. Adele would continue her work, Tintin his studies.
Four years passed when loneliness was getting to the boy. While he behaved normally in public and around Adele, it was different when he returned to his apartment. It was quiet. And investigative Adele would discover his plight. So, Adele forced herself to do the unthinkable: get Tintin a dog.
As she contemplated as to where she'd go (“A pet store? A farm? A kennel?”), she walked along the snowy streets of Brussels. There, she'd stumble upon a white-terrier puppy who was near buried in the snow. Had it not been for his whimpering Adele would've kept walking.
Thus “Milou” (nicknamed “Snowy” for his fur) became Tintin’s best friend and the very start of his own family.
The End.