The Changeling - Chapter Nine

The Changeling

Chapter Nine

Den awoke suddenly, the bright morning sunlight streamed into the room. He lay, and the events of yesterday crashed down upon him.

Singing! He could hear singing!

Down in the kitchen, Maggie bustled around, making breakfast. He pulled back the covers and walked downstairs, glancing at the still closed door of his Son's room.

'Ah, morning darling, it's a beautiful day.' She kissed him on the cheek, smiling and happy.

'We've run out of milk, I'll just nip down to the shop. I'll be back in a bit.'

Den stood, numb and confused and watched Maggie walk out.

**********

Maggie took a short cut through the park. What a lovely day, she thought, and sat down on a bench to enjoy the sunshine for a while. She felt strange today. Her head felt fuzzy, confused, but she didn't know why. Maybe a sit down would help.

**********

'Come along Henry, get a wiggle on,' called Jenny. 'Let's go for a little walk while Granny gets breakfast ready.' Henry smiled up at his Mother.

'Like park,' He said.

'OK, the park it is then,' Said Jenny, laughing.

Hand in hand they walked down to the park.

'Jenny? Jenny, is that you?' Called a voice.

Jenny looked around at the grey haired lady walking towards her through the park.

'It's Mrs King isn't it,' Jenny said, smiling.

'Yes, that's right dear, I haven't seen you in this neck of the woods for years, visiting your Mum?'

'Yes,' Said Jenny. 'My husband is away on business, so I thought we'd come down for a visit.' She smiled down at Henry. 'It's much nicer here than in smelly old London isn't it.'

Henry smiled up at his Mother. 'Like Park!' He said.

Jenny smiled at Mrs King. 'He's such a lovely boy.'

The two women carried on chatting, catching up on old times.

Neither noticed Henry slip away, nobody say him run across the park, chasing a squirrel with glee.

**********

Maggie sat on the bench, feeling a little better. A small noise beside her made her turn. A blonde haired boy sat down beside her.

'Me chase squirrel,' Said Henry, smiling up at Maggie.

'John?' Said Maggie in surprise. 'How did you get here on your own? Where's Daddy?'

'Daddy at work!' Replied the little boy.

'Well, it was very naughty of you to walk here on your own. Come along, let's go home.'

Maggie took the boy's small hand in her own, stood up and walked towards home.