X-amining Classic X-Men #9 - Patreon First!

"The Gift"

May 1987

In a Nutshell

As he waits for news on Jean Grey, Nightcrawler befriends a young boy at the hospital. 

Writer: Chris Claremont
Artist: John Bolton, Tom Morgan (added pages)
Letters: Bill Oakley

Colors: Glynis Oliver

Editor: Ann Nocenti
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Plot

With the X-Men gathered at the hospital, awaiting news on Jean's condition, Nightcrawler meets a young boy in the hospital's garden late at night. Concerned about the boy being out so late alone, Nightcrawler befriends him, learning his name is Daniel and that he is waiting for someone. Unsure if the boy himself is sick or is visiting a sick family member, Nightcrawler proceeds to do his best to cheer him up, culminating in a juggling act he learned at the circus. Nightcrawler then shares his true appearance with the boy, who isn't at all shocked, and after Nightcrawler brings him home, they agree to meet up later at the hospital. But when Nightcrawler returns to the hospital, he learned that Daniel died of cancer that evening, and realizes his encounter with the ghost of Daniel has led him to a greater appreciation for the joys of life.

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