For the love of her

Felicity climbed carefully into the trap and sat down, smoothing out her long skirts. She smiled as she placed the wicker basket beside her. Toys and treats for her Nephews and Nieces. She shook the reins and clicked the pony on. She hadn't seen her sister for a few weeks, and her time was drawing near, so Felicity wanted to check that Mother and baby were well and happy. Not that she should worry, as Elizabeth's husband Leo absolutely doted on her.

Until a few weeks ago, Leo had been working as a manager in a bank, so they weren't short on money – just as well with all of those children! But unfortunately things had changed and he had lost his job. It was such bad timing, what with another baby due any day.

She thought about her sister. Despite her disability, she was well and happy, and loved. It had happened nearly thirteen years ago now, shortly after she and Leo had been married. A horse riding accident! Her back had been broken and had paralysed her from the chest down. Leo had stood by her, taking care of her every need.

When Elizabeth's nurse had a day off, it was Leo who bathed her, changed her bed and brushed her hair.

Each day he would lift her tenderly, carefully carry her downstairs, lower her into her bath chair and wheel her around their immaculate gardens.

They found great comfort in being together, for they were so much in love. Which of course, led to many babies.

Elizabeth found birthing babies easy. She couldn't feel her pains when her time came, and everything had always gone easily and smoothly, with the babies arriving happy and healthy.

Apart from little Martha. She had been born long before her time and did not survive. Elizabeth had cradled the infant for the few days that she had lived, giving her warmth and love until she passed away peacefully in her arms.

The pony trotted on, until they finally reached the large town house. Felicity drew the pony to a stop outside and waited for the groom to take it to the stables for a rest and some food. She looked around. Strange, there was no sign of him. Shrugging, she released the pony from his harness and led him to the stable herself.

Slowly, she walked back to the front door, noticing that the flower beds were not as tidy as usual. She looked around. No sign of the gardener either. How very strange!

She rang the doorbell, listening to it jangling brightly somewhere deep within the large house. The cries of excited children came to her ears, making her smile. Here they come, the tribe, she thought to herself. The door opened, and there stood Leo, a child in his arms and several more gathered around him.

'Felicity,' He said quietly, 'This is a surprise, I had no word that you would be visiting today!' She smiled up at him. 'No, I thought I'd surprise you all and see how Elizabeth is doing as the new baby is due any day.'

'Well come on in' said Leo, standing aside to let her pass. She noticed that he looked haggard, older, tired. 'How are you Leo? Are there any new jobs on the horizon?' He raked his fingers through his hair. They were shaking. 'No, not yet, but things are looking promising.' He replied. 'Come on in.'

She stepped into the house and looked around. Dust lay in a fine film over the surfaces, things weren't tidy as they usually were. 'Leo, I think you need a new maid!' She said jokingly. 'Ah yes,' he replied. 'She's looking after her Mother at the moment, she's been taken ill with a fever!'

Felicity walked into the parlour, surrounded by the children, who were eager to see what treasures were in the basket for them. She laughed. 'Alright, alright, let me take off my hat and coat off first and then we shall see what I have for your all.'

She walked over to the coat stand, and hung her things upon it. She caught a smell, faint, but it was there. 'Leo,' she said, 'What is that strange smell? It is almost like rotting meat. Maybe cook has left something too long?' 'Yes, maybe so,' said Leo looking away.

Felicity sat on on a chair, smiling at the children. 'My goodness, how many of you are there now?' She asked. 'Eight!' replied Jane, who was the eldest. 'Soon there will be nine because Mamma will have a little baby soon!'

'And how is your Mamma?' Felicity asked. Jane's face fell and she began to sob quietly. 'Mamma is not feeling well. Daddy says she is sleeping. We haven't seen her for a week!'

Felicity looked at Leo. 'Is this true?' She demanded. 'Elizabeth would never refuse to see her children, she dotes on them! What is wrong?'

Leo looked away and muttered 'She's just tired, that's all!'

Felicity felt an odd stirring within her. Something was very wrong here!

Little Paul tugged at his Father's sleeve. 'Papa, I'm hungry,' he wailed. 'I'll take him down to the kitchen, if you like, and see if cook can find him something.' Felicity suggested.

'No! Snapped Leo, 'I'll take him!' She looked at him in surprise! Never before had he been so short with her. He had always been very polite and caring!

He stalked out of the room with Paul, some of the other children joined him, pleading hunger too.

Felicity looked around. The other children were happily playing with their toys. I'll just go and pop in on Elizabeth while everyone is busy. If she is sleeping, I'll let her be, she thought.

She left the room and went upstairs to Elizabeth's bedroom. She pushed open the door quietly, so that she would not wake her sister if she was sleeping.

There's that smell again! Perhaps Elizabeth's bed needed changing, as it often did. She tiptoed across to the bed and looked down at her sister's face. It was so pale! She reached out and stroked her face and recoiled in horror! Elizabeth was cold. Stone cold! How could this be? Felicity looked down, taking in her sister's serene face and the bulge of her belly, with her unborn child within.

The door behind her opened and Leo walked in. 'Please don't wake her,' He said. Felicity's mind somersaulted. 'Leo, what's happened here, call the doctor, please Elizabeth is dead!' Leo smiled. 'No, she's not dead, just sleeping. She's been sleeping for a week now. I've been bathing her, brushing her hair, making sure that she is comfortable.

One morning, on the nurses day off, I came in to see her, as usual. There was blood, so much blood and she was sleeping. I cleaned her up, thinking that the baby was coming, but it didn't and she slept on.

He sat by the bed, taking Elizabeth's hand in his own. 'My love, He said. 'Once you wake, I will bring the children to you, they are missing you so much my darling. Please wake up soon, we all miss your laughter and smiles.'

I sat down, tears filling my eyes, looking across at Leo, who loved Elizabeth so very much. So very much that he could not bear to be without her, ever.

After a while, I stood, crossed the room and went back downstairs. The children all turned their happy faces towards me. How could I tell them. How could I possibly tell them. But I had to! Someone had to.

Leo came downstairs and looked around at his crying children. 'Its alright, its alright,' He said, kissing them one by one. Mamma is just sleeping, she'll be fine soon.

Tears once more filled my eyes as I turned and left the house. I had to get the Doctor. He would know what to do! I put pony back into his harness, climbed into the trap and set off.

Isolation!

Fiona opened her eyes and looked up at the clear blue sky. She tilted up her chin, feeling the sun's warmth caressing her face.

A half smile formed on her lips. This was the life. She had felt so lucky to be able to book this perfect getaway. A real family holiday!

The idyllic, fairytale cottage sat within a small wood, just a stones throw from the white sands of the beach.

It was so tranquil. The trees whispered softly to each other in the breeze, the gulls called, soaring above her. The gentle waves lapped the shore – perfect!

She reached out her hand and scooped up a handful of sand, letting it fall back to the beach lazily through her fingers.

Fiona turned to look at her husband, who was fast asleep. He deserved this break. He had been working so hard lately. They all deserved this break!

She dozed into a light slumber, happy and content.

A child's laughter woke her. She turned her head towards the sound and opened her eyes, smiling.

Her two daughters were paddling at the edge of the sea, shrieking and laughing as the cold water tickled their toes.

She got up and ran across the beach to them, laughing. 'Come on girls, let's go for a swim!'

The three of them waded out into the cool water, and were soon swimming, enjoying the cool silkiness of the sea against their hot skin.

Ah, sweet isolation, sweet, sweet isolation. No cars, no trains, no TV. She could get used to this.

Her vision faded, lost like smoke into the Summer's clear air, silence fell, darkness pressed against her.

* * * *

The sound of a siren broke the silence.

Fiona opened her eyes groggily, looking at the clock on the bedroom wall. 7 AM!

Time to get up and at 'em, I suppose, she thought.

She rolled over painfully, and got out of bed, straightening up slowly and carefully.

Looks like another sunny day, she though, pulling the curtains open.

She hobbled to the kitchen and made herself a cup of tea and carried it into the sitting room, walking across to the window of her tiny flat.

The park looked so nice down there. She was so high up that the few dog walkers and runners that were out at this early hour looked like ants.

She smiled. She loved that park. Each day she would take a slow and gently stroll around it, if her knees would let her, that is.

But everything had changed on that fateful day four weeks ago! That letter. It changed everything! Nothing would ever be the same again.

The Government letter had made it very clear. She was to stay inside, not go out for 12 weeks!

Coronavirus! An invisible and indiscriminate killer had invaded the Earth

Her world had shrunk to the size of her tiny, one bedroom flat.

She was on her own. Her husband had passed away years ago, and her children had grown up, moved away and had families of their own now.

She longed for conversation, to speak to the dog walkers, the other elderly people that also took walks in the park.

She longed to visit the shops, the hairdresser. But it was not going to happen any time soon.

Once a week, a crumpled piece of paper was pushed through her letter box – A government food parcel had been left outside.

Once a month the local pharmacy did the same with her medication.

She was lonely, unhappy, vulnerable. The darkness of her life closed around her, enveloping her in its icy grip.

She thought back to her dream of the night before, the bliss, the sweet isolation of being with her family once more on that holiday, so many years ago.

This isolation felt like a jail sentence! When would it end? Three months, maybe more? She yearned for the feeling of fresh air upon her face, the sights and sounds of normality.

She had lost track of the days, they seemed to merge, coalesce into one long nothingness.

Just hour upon hour, waiting, hoping that it would soon be over, that she could once more step outside.

The Cube

'Ah, this is the life', said Zack, stretching his arm across Carly's shoulder as they sat on the sofa.

Never in their wildest dreams did they expect to be living the high life – literally. Zack had landed a high powered job and the penthouse flat in the skyscraper in the city had seemed the perfect place for them. The stunning views of the city and the sea beyond through the large window, were just to die for!

'Fancy a cuppa?' Asked Zack, standing up and stretching. He turned towards the kitchen, glancing through the window at the view. 'What the hell,' he cried 'Is that!!!'

Carly turned, looking at Zack quizzically. He was staring, pointing out of the window. Her gaze switched to the window and her eyes opened wide in fear and amazement!

Together they walked to the window and looked out at the city. There, suspended in the air was a glittering black cube. Huge, and ominous. They stared. 'What is it?' Whispered Carly, terrified of what she was seeing. 'I have no idea', replied Zack, shaking his head in confusion.

'You don't think it could be, like, aliens, do you?' Said Carly quietly. Zack turned to her and laughed. 'Don't be silly. If it was an alien invasion, the army would be out there, shooting them down. It's probably some publicity stunt or something.'

'I've got to get this on film', said Zack running through to the bedroom to find his camcorder. He came back, camcorder in one hand, tripod in the other. 'I want to watch this', he said, so I'm going to set the camera going on the tripod, then I won't get distracted.'

He set up the camcorder peering through the viewfinder to get just the right angle. Yes, yes, that's right. I can see the cube in the sky, above the city and I can see us watching it. Perfect shot.

He ran back to Carly, and they stood, watching the mysterious cube. Zack shivered. 'Are you cold?' asked Carly. 'No, I don't know, I just felt a bit weird there.' 'I know what you mean', she replied, I feel a little weird myself.' She smiled weakly at Zack and held his hand tightly.

They stood, unmoving, losing track of time, as the cube continued to hover, sparkling as the sun glinted off of its surface.

Without warning, the cube blinked out of existence. Zack and Carly, startled, turned to look at each other. 'Well that was a bit weird', said Zack. How could it just wink out like that? It doesn't make sense!'

'I'm going to go and put the kettle on and make something to eat', Said Carly. I feel really hungry and thirsty for some reason!

She headed towards the kitchen, shaking her head, trying to shake the odd muzziness from it. 'Zack! The clock! This can't be right, it says its three o'clock. How can that be so? We started watching the cube at eleven! Maybe the batteries are gone. We were only watching it for about half an hour, surely?'

Zack looked at his watch. 'Carly', he said slowly, my watch says its three as well!'

They looked at each other, scared and confused, not understanding what had happened, why they had lost nearly four hours of the day.

'Let's see what the camera says' Said Zack, crossing the room and flipping out the screen. 'Yep, it has been recording for four hours! This is just so bizarre.

They plugged the camcorder into the TV and sat down to watch the footage. For a while, it was just them, the cube and the view. Nothing more. Zack fast forwarded the film, watching for the moment that the cube disappeared, hoping he could catch the exact frame.

Suddenly Carly screamed! There on the screen something had winked into existence inside the room – two somethings!

Two beings, grey, with strangely large heads, angled forward on their skinny bodies. Long, spindly arms reached out, one towards Carly, one towards Zack. Why hadn't the seen them, why hadn't they felt them. This just couldn't be happening.

The creatures talked with each other, in a series of clicks, their heads tilting as they did. They touched the couple, measuring and observing. On the screen, Zack and Carly stood motionless, in some sort of stupor, totally unaware of what was happening.

The creatures injected the couple in their necks, took some blood, watched them, looking into ears, eyes and mouth. Talking to each other, as though they were comparing notes.

One of them stopped! Its head snapped around, it had heard something! It turned and spoke to the other. Both turned and looked at the camera, a look of absolute anger on their reptilian faces. And disappeared!

On the screen, Carly and Zack moved sluggishly, as though they were sleepwalkers. Slowly they turned to look at each other, and then out of the window again. The cube had gone! They appeared to snap awake suddenly.

'Well that was a bit weird', said Zack. How could it just wink out like that? It doesn't make sense!'

Carly and Zack sat on the sofa in silence, watching, not believing what they had just seen. Zack rubbed his neck, thinking that it must have all been a dream, that it could not just have happened.

'Zack, your neck!' exclaimed Carly. There, just where he had been idly rubbing, was a small, red puncture mark! He glanced at Carly's neck. Yes, she had one too, just where the creatures on the screen had injected them.

They looked at each other in horror as the truth of what had just happened became clear!

The Changeling - Chapter one

The Changeling

A short story in instalments

By Serendipity Says

Chapter one

John sighed as he fell onto the sofa. Never in his life had he felt so drained! He reached for his cup of tea and idly flicked through the photo album that he had found in the cupboard.

He smiled as he looked at himself playing on the beach, aged around 4. His Mother holding his hand as he jumped over the little waves.

Ah, he used to love those holidays. Being an only child had its advantages – no siblings to vie for Mum's attention!

It had been a tough few months. His beloved Mum had passed away around ten years ago, her body ravaged by the cancer which had taken her life.

And then, his Dad! Suddenly and without warning he had passed away from a massive heart attack!

John looked around at the home in which he had spent his childhood.

And a strange childhood it had been in many ways. Mum and Dad had never encouraged him to make friends, never liked him to go out and play.

They had home schooled him, so apart from routine medical appointments, he didn't really spend much time away from the house until he had started work.

Now his parents were gone! It felt bitter sweet. He missed them so much, after all, they had been his life! But he also felt free. He could live his own life now, do what he wanted. Make friends, maybe even meet a nice girl and settle down.

Between looking after Mum and working, he had never felt the need to settle down. But now, in his early 50's maybe it was time to change that at last.

This won't do, he thought, I still have this rambling old house to deal with!

With no family, it had fallen to John to pick through the house, looking for anything important, sifting through the 'stuff' that had accumulated through the years.

He hauled himself out of the sofa. What next! He thought. There's the attic. He had looked through most of the house, but had left the attic. He hadn't been up there for years. Goodness knows what rubbish he would find up there!

He climbed the ladder and flicked on the torch and looked around in surprise. It was clear! There was hardly anything there! He stepped out onto the floor and scanned around. Nothing. Nothing at all! He had expected clutter everywhere.

He flashed his torch this way and that. The light fell onto a small box, tucked right under the eaves at the front. John picked his way across, treading carefully, as the flooring looked rotten.

Finally he reached the box. It was tied with a blue ribbon, dusty with age. What could be inside? Old photos or documents?

He untied the bow and took off the lid. A pile of newspaper clippings fell out. He shone the torch on them, looking at the headlines.

Toddler missing, screamed one, abduction, kidnapping! One after one he read the clippings. As he got further into the box, the clippings got shorter. The half pages became paragraphs, the paragraphs became a few sentences. It was as though the newspapers had given up, lost interest.

Who was this toddler, had he ever been found? Why had his parents kept the clippings?

At the bottom of the box, he found a grainy photograph of a young boy. He shone the torch on it, trying to see the photo more clearly in the darkness of the attic.

The child looked familiar somehow, as though he had seen him before. Then realisation dawned and he dropped the box!

This photo was going to change his life for ever! His life as he knew it tumbled, like the newspapers tumbling from the box on his lap, his mind reeled. What did this mean? Could it be true?

The Changeling - Chapter Two

The Changeling

Chapter two

John gathered up the clippings and the photo, putting them back into the box and made his way shakily down the ladder, into the brightness of the house.

He went downstairs, clutching the box tightly and put it down carefully on the kitchen table.

He sat and ran his fingers through his hair nervously. He could hardly believe what he had seen. Surely, he had been mistaken, it just couldn't be true. It didn't make any sense!

He looked again at the box and thought about the contents. No, no, this just isn't right, he said to himself, rising and pacing back and forth across the tiled kitchen floor.

With a sudden movement, he grabbed the box, bolted for the back door, and ran into the garden.

'Fresh air, yes, that's what I need. Got to clear my head, can't think straight', he murmured to himself.

He walked across the overgrown garden to the bench under the apple tree. It was always Mum's favourite spot. He had lost count of the times that she had read to him on that bench over the years.

The tree had been planted when he had been small. It had grown strong and tall over the years. The bench had been Mum's idea. 'I just like to be here', she had said. 'It's my special place, this tree holds so many memories.'

When she had been ill, she had asked for her ashes to be scattered around its base. 'I want to be a part of it for ever.' She had said.

He sat down and gazed up through the spreading branches. The fruit was just starting to set, little miniature fruits, promising a bumper crop to come. This tree had always done well. Each year the apples swelled, ripe and juicy, filling its branches.

John looked down at the box, almost frightened to open it again, to see if what he had seen was true. He knew that it was impossible, but he had been so sure! The jolt had been enough to make the world spin!

With trembling hands, he once more opened the lid and gazed at the contents. He shuffled through the clippings, looking for the photo.

Yes there it was, he looked at it again. Yes, yes, he had been right!

He looked at the grainy photo of the missing child. And his own eyes looked straight back at him!

The Changeling - Chapter Three

The Changeling

Chapter Three

John stared at the photo. But how could this be? Maybe this little boy just looked like him. But then, why would his parents have kept the clippings, why did they hide the box away for all of these years?

His mind ran through infinite possibilities, each more far fetched than the last. There has to be an simple explanation, there just has to be!

He looked closer at the face gazing back at him from the photo. Then he gasped! Through the graininess of the photo, he had spotted something that proved without a doubt that the boy in the photo was him!

The boy's face was tilted upwards, the eyes and mouth smiling. He looked so happy. And there, just on the jawline, faint but there, was the birthmark!

John idly rubbed his chin, as he stared at the boy, feeling the slight roughness of the mark on his own skin

He put down the picture and began to look at the clippings, reading each in turn.

'Henry Maxwell, aged 3, disappeared from a local park this morning'

'There are still no clues as to the whereabouts of Henry Maxwell, aged 3, who disappeared last week from a local park'

'Local lad, Henry Maxwell, aged 3, thought to have been kidnapped'

'Henry Maxwell, aged 3, now believed dead!'

The clippings spanned around a year before they stopped. Henry had never been found, he had just disappeared, with no clues, no leads, no sightings.

John felt sick! But he couldn't be Henry Maxwell! There were photos of him as a baby, giggling in his parents arms. His earliest memories were here, in this house, with his parents!

He put the box down and stumbled back to the house. 'I'll find the photos of me as a baby, I am NOT Henry Maxwell! I am John Thompson!

He opened the sideboard in the lounge and pulled out the old album and flicked through the pages, his mouth dry and his heart pounding.

He looked: Him smiling up at his parents from his pushchair, him running in the garden, him on the beach. Picture after picture of him! A picture of him aged around 2, cuddling a teddy with a ribbon tied around its neck.

But then he stopped. His hand resting on the page. He looked closely, hardly believing his own eyes. No, this can't be right! The baby in the pictures, there's something missing, something not quite right!

Picture after picture was the same. He flicked through the album. Desperately seeking out the truth.

This child had no birthmark!!!

This child was not him!!

What was happening? The world that he had known began to crash around him. Who was he? Was he John Thompson, or was he Henry Maxwell?

The Changeling - Chapter Four

The Changeling

Chapter Four

John reached for the phone and hesitantly rang the number.

'Hello, police, I think I have some information on the missing boy called Henry Maxwell!'

He listened to the tapping of the officer as he typed the information into his computer.

'Sir,' The officer finally said in a bored voice. 'He went missing 50 years ago! This case has been closed for many years. What new information do you think you can have?'

John swallowed nervously. 'I think,' He said, his voice trembling, 'That I may be Henry Maxwell!'

There was silence from the other end of the line. Then a puzzled voice said 'Sir, can you hold just a minute, I need to speak to one of my colleagues.'

John waited, nervously drumming his fingers on the table. Minutes went by, still there was no sound from the other end of the telephone.

Ten minutes went by! Then an official sounding voice asked 'Sir, why do you think that you are Henry Maxwell?'

John nervously told the man what he had found, and what he suspected.

'Sir, I think that I need to come and speak to you!' The man said curtly.

John put down the phone. 'What have I got myself into,' He muttered, sitting down heavily, feeling as though his legs would no longer hold him.

Presently, he heard the sound of a car pulling into the drive. Falteringly, he got up and answered the door to a large, burly man carrying a briefcase. The man held out his hand. 'I'm Detective Inspector Manning, from the missing persons department. I believe that you have some important information about the case of little Henry Maxwell.'

John nodded and invited the man into the house. 'Would you like a cup of tea, while we talk, John asked nervously.

'Yes please Sir, that would be very nice!'

John went through to the kitchen and presently brought back two steaming cups, handing one to the Inspector and hugging the other in his own hands, as though its warmth could somehow make him feel better.

He sat down opposite the man, pointing to the box and the photo album on the table.

'You see', said John, the missing boy has the same birthmark as me! The baby in the earlier pictures doesn't, and then when I reach around 3, the birthmark appears in the photos. I just can't explain it! Am I really Henry Maxwell?'

The Inspector looked at the photos and the newspaper clippings, taking his time to check them thoroughly, occasionally glancing up at John with a surprised look.

Finally, he put down the documents and turned to look at John, he shook his head, puzzled!

It would appear that you are indeed Henry Maxwell', He agreed. 'But, if you are Henry Maxwell, then who is the boy in the early photos?'

'I think we are going to have to go through this house with a fine tooth comb to try to try find the truth of the matter.'

'But we will find out the truth Sir, you mark my words!

The Changeling - Chapter Five

The changeling

Chapter 5

John cringed as the sound of protesting wood filled the house.

A team of men wearing white coveralls had arrived early that morning, along with Detective Inspector Manning.

'What are you looking for, exactly,' asked John, feeling as though both him and his home where being violated. 'Why are your men pulling up floorboards?'

'Well Sir,' Replied Manning, 'It is our belief that we are looking for the remains of a child!'

'Surely you can't be accusing my parents of murder! They were the kindest, most loving people that you could imagine. There is no way that they would murder a child. It just doesn't make sense!' Exclaimed John.

'There have been some developments.' Replied the Detective Inspector. 'We have reason to believe that the child, named John Thompson, died at the hands of another.'

'Why would you even think that!' Shouted John. 'They protected me, they would never have harmed me! I don't believe you!'

'Sir,' the Inspector said gently. 'There was a report made to the police back then, John Thompson had been admitted to hospital on numerous occasions with unexplained injuries. It was suspected at the time that his parents were responsible. An investigation was ongoing, but the injuries stopped, and the child seemed well, so the investigation was halted.'

'We now have reason to believe that the child died at the hands of his parents and that you were abducted and raised in his place!'

'Why, why would they murder their own child! Why would they take me? It makes no sense at all!'

'We don't quite understand either Sir, which is why we need to do such a thorough investigation of the property now.'

John walked across to the window and gazed out at the garden. The garden that his Mother had loved so much.

More white coveralled men were scouring the flowerbeds and lawns. One was dragging a device across the garden, peering at a screen.

'What's that machine for?' Asked John.

'That is a ground penetrating radar, it looks for anomalies under the ground' replied the Inspector.

'Anomalies? What do you mean? Bodies? You think there's a body out there?' John asked in a surprised voice.

'As I said, we're just being thorough' replied the Inspector.

John sat down, wishing that he had never made the phone call, wishing that he had never found the box, wishing that his world could go back to the way it was just a few days ago.

'We've found something!' called one of the men from the garden. 'There's something under this apple tree! We're going to have to dig it up – its entangled in the roots of the tree!'

'NO!!' John screamed frantically. 'No, you are not digging up my Mother's tree! I don't care what it is that you think that you've found!'

Gentle arms held him back as he tried to stop the men. 'Now then Sir, this has to be done. Calm yourself.'

'My mother planted that tree when I was little, it grew with me, you can't destroy it, you just can't!'

But at that moment, the sound of a chain saw rent the air. Within minutes, the job was done and the tree lay in a tangled, broken heap on the lawn.

Men swarmed into the area, gently teasing and clearing the roots from the ground, digging down to find their 'anomaly'.

'Sir, we've found something!' The Inspector hurriedly made his way into the garden and across to where the apple tree had so recently stood proud and strong.

He looked down into the hole that the men had so carefully dug. Peeking out of the soil was a skull! A human skull. A skull the size of a 3 year old child!

The Changeling - Chapter Six

The Changeling

Chapter Six

After the bones had been taken away for analysis, the house became strangely silent.

There had been a few days of frenzied activity, checking the house and gardens for more evidence.

An item had been found with the bones – a metal box. The forensics team had said that it was almost as though the child had been holding it in its arms. John didn't know what the box had contained. He guessed that he would find out one day.

Like he guessed he would find out who he really was!

Blood had been taken for genetic analysis, to find out if he truly was Henry or not. He still couldn't get his head around what had happened. Still didn't know who he really was.

His childhood had been a little strange, but still, his parents loved him. Wrapped him up in cotton wool almost. They just didn't have it within them to kill their own child.

But even if they did, why would they take another Mother's son?

There were so many unanswered questions, so many uncertainties.

The newspapers had been full of the story of the skeleton in the garden, guessing as to its identity and what had caused the child's death. After a while, the newspapers lost interest in the story and stopped reporting on it.

The weeks passed and John began to feel calmer and stronger. He went back to work. To start with, his colleagues wanted to know all of the gory details, but as they only knew as much as John, they soon became bored and stopped asking.

**********

One month on, the phone rang. 'Hello, John Thompson speaking'

'Hello Sir, Chief Inspector Manning here, I have some news. May I come to see you?'

John and the Inspector sat in the lounge drinking tea. 'Well, Mr Thompson, we have some results to share with you. But maybe I should call you Mr Maxwell now, as the genetic testing has confirmed that is who you are.

I am pleased to say that your parents are still alive and would love to see you. Your Mother has always said that she believed you to be alive and well and she has finally been proved right!'

'The bones have been examined and they do appear to be those of John Thompson. The bones show numerous fractures, which coincide with John's hospital records'

'But how did he die?'

'I'm afraid that he met a violent end. His skull was badly fractured, and there is no doubt that that is how he died. As so much time has passed, there is really no way of knowing what caused the injury, but we suspect foul play. The coroner still has more tests to carry out, which will hopefully shed more light on the matter.'

'There is one more thing that I would like to share with you Sir,'

The inspector pulled the small metal box out of his bag. 'We found this buried alongside the body, and wondered if you knew anything about it.

He handed John the box. It was a small tin, the sort that used to contain biscuits. He opened it, and nestled carefully within it was a teddy bear. John looked at it in surprise.

'I've seen this bear somewhere before,' He said, trying to place where.

He got up and walked to the sideboard, taking out the photo album and flicking through the pages.

'Yes, here it is, he said – there's a picture of me, I mean him, holding the bear, but in the picture it has a ribbon around its neck. But the ribbon is missing now.

He looked at the bear, puzzled. Something was niggling at the back of his mind. The ribbon! Yes! The ribbon!

'Inspector, I know where that ribbon is! It was tied around the box with the newspaper clippings in!'

Sadly he realised that this small fact showed with certainty that his parents really did have something to do with this child's death, that they did bury him, along with his beloved teddy.

Why, why did his parents steal him, and why did John die. He would probably never know the truth now!

The Changeling - Chapter Seven

The Changeling

Chapter Seven

**********

50 years earlier

Maggie and Den Thompson sat beside their son's hospital bed, trying to calm the fractious toddler.

'I wanna go home!' John sobbed. 'I want my teddy!'

'It's OK darling, we're just waiting for the doctor to visit and then we can go home!' Said his Mother soothingly.

'Wanna go NOW!' Shouted John.

A soft knock came at the door. 'Come in' Said Den.

A white coated doctor entered the room. He walked up to John and tousled his hair. 'And how is my favourite patient today?' He asked, smiling.

'Arm better. Wanna go home!' Said John, looking petulantly at the doctor.

'OK, OK.' Chuckled the doctor. 'You can go home. I just need to talk to Mum and Dad a minute, then you can go. But mind you, don't go running riot and falling over with that sling on!. I don't want you back here again.'

The Doctor turned to Mr and Mrs Thompson. 'Can we step outside and speak for a moment please?'

John's parents nodded and followed the Doctor, looking at each other anxiously.

'Is John OK?' Asked Maggie. 'I thought you said it was only a small fracture and that it would heal on its own with the sling in a few weeks.'

'Yes, yes, that's right,' Said the Doctor, 'But there's something else I want to talk about.'

He ushered Maggie and Den along the corridor and into a small office.

'Please, sit down.' he said. 'I want to discuss John's injuries.'

Den and Maggie looked at the Doctor, who sat across from them behind a mahogany desk.

'It was just an accident,' Said Maggie. 'He fell off the swing, he's always falling and hurting himself. He's an active lad.'

'I've looked through his notes, he's had quite a few accidents and fractures in the last year hasn't he.'

'As I said, he's an active lad', said Maggie, looking confused.

The Doctor rested his hands on the desk, leaning towards the couple. 'Well, I'm sorry to say that his numerous injuries have flagged him up as a possible victim of abuse, and we have had to report the matter to social services. John will be put on a watch, and if there are further injuries, then will have to take the matter further and involve the police!'

'What are you trying to say! Are you saying that we would hurt our son!' Den shouted at the Doctor.

'We would never hurt him. How dare you accuse us of that! We love him, I don't understand how you could think that! We're taking our son home. We're taking him home right now!'

Den and Maggie stood up, and marched out of the room, back to their son.

'Come on John, we're going home, right now!' Said Den hurriedly.

Maggie helped John to get dressed, being careful of his broken arm, the boy looked from his Mum to his Dad and back, confused.

'Mummy, why you cry? Daddy, why you angry? John is a good boy!'

'I'm sorry John', Said Maggie, drying her tears. 'You are a good boy. Mummy and Daddy are a bit sad, but it isn't about you.'

John hugged his Mother with his good arm. 'Smile Mummy and Daddy', he said, looking uncertainly at them.

Den gathered his son into his arms and the family walked out of the hospital, back to their family home.

The Changeling - Chapter Eight

The Changeling

Chapter Eight

For the next few weeks, Den and Maggie didn't let John out of their sight. His arm began to heal and he was soon back to his normal, active self.

'I still can't understand why the Doctor thought that we could ever hurt him.' Maggie said, smiling at her son, as he sat on the floor, playing with his cars, making brum, brum noises.

'I know', replied Den. 'We just can't let him have another accident. They would probably take him away from us and the police would investigate.'

'But surely they wouldn't say that we had hurt him? They can't send us to jail, we've done nothing wrong! Said Maggie, tears in her eyes.

'It is a worry,' Said Den. 'We can't prove that we didn't hurt him! This is a nightmare. Anyway, it's a lovely day, shall we all go for a little walk.'

'John,' Said his Dad gently, 'Do you want to go for a walk?'

'Park, park,' Replied John happily.

'Go upstairs and get your coat then, and we'll be off,' Said Den, smiling.

John left his cars and pattered across the room in his bare feet and, with his favourite car still in his hands, he ran up the stairs.

Den and Maggie smiled at each other, happy that John was happy!

'Coming down in minute,' shouted John.

Maggie climbed the stairs, smiling, to help John get ready.

John ran along the landing towards her. Too late, Maggie saw the toy car at the top of the stairs.

'JOHN' She screamed as her son's foot stepped onto the car.

In slow motion John slipped and fell. He toppled backwards, the back of his head hitting the ground with a sickening thud. He slid and tumbled like a rag doll down the stairs, caught by Maggie half way down.

'John, John,' she screamed.

John looked up at his mother, his eyes wide and afraid. She hugged him tightly. 'Its OK baby, its OK, Mummy's got you!'

She carried John to the sofa and sat with him on her lap.

'Maggie, we need to call an ambulance, he's badly hurt,' Den said in a shocked voice, looking down at the pale, quiet face of his son.

John's eyes closed and he made a strange, gurgling sound. He became limp and still in his Mother's arms.

'JOHN, JOHN,' Maggie screamed! 'No, dear God no,' She shook her son, willing him to open his eyes and smile up at her. But John would never open his eyes again!

'I'm going to call an ambulance,' Den said shakily, sitting down beside his wife. 'We need help.'

Maggie looked down at the lifeless body of her son and back at Den, confused, devastated, numb.

Minutes passed, Den sat next to his wife. 'We have to phone,' He said quietly.

Maggie looked up, her eyes full of tears. 'We'll go to jail,' She sobbed, we can't! I can't go to jail!

'But we have to do SOMETHING!' said Den.

'Let me just have some time with him, please,' Whispered Maggie.

They sat, cradling John. The hours passed. The room began to grow dark around them.

Maggie turned to Den, her eyes blank. 'John's tired, I think I should put him to bed.'

'But Maggie,' Pleaded Den. 'He's dead, look, he's gone cold and stiff. We need to get help, it's not to late!'

'No, no, you're wrong!, Shouted Maggie. 'He's just sleeping! I'm putting him to bed'

Maggie carried her son's lifeless body upstairs and gently put him to bed. 'Sleep well John,' She murmured. 'See you in the morning.' She leaned down and kissed him tenderly on the forehead.

She walked along the hall to her own bedroom climbed into bed, curled into a foetal position and fell asleep. Den lay down next to his wife cuddling her and cried himself to sleep.

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.

The Changeling - Epilogue

The Changeling

Epilogue

POST MORTEM EXAMINATION

NAME OF THE DECEASED:

John Thompson

AGE:

3 years

REPORT:

The remains are that of a 3 year old child, identified via medical records as John Thompson.

The bones show signs of numerous fractures, spanning from birth until the time of death.

There is a partially healed fracture of the left humerus and several other fresh long bone fractures, which occurred either at or shortly before death.

There is a fresh basilar skull fracture, which is likely to have been the cause of death.

Examination of the bones reveals that they are fragile and show signs of the disease Osteogenesis Imperfecta. Genetic analysis of the remains confirms this diagnosis.

CAUSE OF DEATH:

Death was most likely caused by the basilar skull fracture, caused by Osteogenesis Imperfecta.

VERDICT:

Accidental death precipitated by pre-existing brittle bone disease. No foul play is suspected.



**********

THE END

**********

The Wedding day!

I suppose it's time to get up she thought, stretching herself lazily. She pulled back the covers and walked across the room to open the curtains.

Sunshine! Bright, bright sunshine with not a cloud in the sky! A perfect day.

Yes, a perfect day to get married!

A chorus of groans sounded behind her as the light hit the sleeping faces of her three bridesmaids.

'Come on girls, get up! Today is the day!'

The girls looked at each other and grinned. They flung back their covers and ran, smiling, out onto the balcony, looking out at the perfect view of the lake and gardens from their hotel room.

They dressed quickly and went downstairs for their breakfast, nervous and excited about the day ahead.

After breakfast, it was back to the room, to start preparations. How busy it was. Hairdressers and a photographer joined them, and soon the room was buzzing with excitement.

Deliveries appeared: flowers and balloons.

Make up was applied. Everyone looked beautiful!

Soon it was time for 'The dress'. The bride wriggled herself into it, and with a bridesmaid's help it was on!

The time flew by, and soon it was time for the ceremony itself.

Tall and proud, her father walked beside her. The groom turned, his eyes glistening as he saw her.

Words of love and commitment where spoken, nerves causing both bride and groom to stutter over their lines.

Rings where exchanged and joy of joy, they fitted perfectly.

Out into the sunshine, confetti flies, photographs are taken.

Dinner: Oh such a beautiful meal. The cake is cut. She feeds him a slice, everyone smiles.

Everyone is full and happy. They all go outside, playing garden games in the sunshine.

Soon it is time for the evening reception. Dancing, lights, fun and food.

All too soon it is over! Time for bed. Tomorrow will be their first day as man and wife.

Congratulations to my beautiful daughter and her handsome new husband.

The calling

I sat on the soft, golden sand, resting my back against the swaying palm tree. The sun was so hot today and the dappled shade of the tree gave welcome relief.

The soft, warm breeze ruffled my hair, bringing with it a warm, fragrant smell from the nearby spice market.

I smiled, as I watched a group of small children, wearing brightly coloured clothes, playing a game with small stones on the dusty earth a little way away. Their happy, bubbling laughter carried clearly to me. Innocents without a care in the world.

The sea, of the deepest azure I had ever seen, twinkled in the sun. The water looked so cool and inviting.

I kicked off my shoes, carrying them in my hand and ran towards it.

I sat on a small pier, swinging my feet over the edge to be caressed by the velvety smooth, cool water.

I watched small boats playing on the water, scudding along in the tranquil bay, as the wind breathed its warmth into their red sails.

I felt totally immersed in the scene, smelling, feeling, seeing everything in the minutest of detail.

From a great distance I heard a shrill and discordant sound. It pulled at me, reminding me of things elsewhere.

Perhaps if I ignored it, peace would resume, I could relax once more.

The sound got louder, louder, nearer and nearer until I could no longer ignore it!

It jerked me back to reality! I put the book down upon the sofa, feeling angry about the disturbance.

I picked up the phone, longing to return to my book and my imagination once more.

The void

It had been a hard few months for her. If anything could go wrong, it had! She sat, exhausted and aching, feeling that nothing would ever be the same again.

She cried out, 'Please, someone, anyone, tell me what to do!' The silence laid heavy on her ears.

It was easy before – no problems, things just flowed in the way that they should, the way that they always had.

But in these last few months, nothing had gone to plan – nothing!

Once again she sought help, asking her angels, her loved ones, anyone to give her guidance. There must be something that she could do, something or someone that could help her.

'This is impossible! I can't see an answer!'

She sighed heavily, feeling as if she was drowning in a sea of blackness.

There must be someone out there that could inspire, help her, move her forward? Maybe some would see her plea, come to her aid.

The computer screen stared back at her, blank and mocking.

Two months. TWO MONTHS! That's how long it had been since she'd last written a blog post.

Disconnected

She stood, the wind slicking back her hair, blowing away the tears that fell from her eyes.

Why had things changed? All of those years, listening, passing on knowledge, feeling at one with those around her.

Life was full of sound, full of chatter, love and laughter then. True, there was never silence, but she was not used to that anyway!

Ever since her birth, there had been the voices. Precocious, her Mum had said. 'Knows more than she should!'

But what had changed? Why did they not speak to her anymore? 

It had all started with her illness. As it took hold, they drew back, became quieter, eventually becoming silent.

She felt so alone, their voices no longer her eternal companions. Nobody could understand. Why should they? They lived in a stifled, closed world of silence!

She understood, they were giving her space to heal, to rest. She was sure that they would return – wouldn't they?

It felt as though the wind around her was playing tricks on her ears. She was sure that she could hear her name being called.

Are you there? She called. Have you come back to me?

Just the whistling wind answered her cries.

She turned to go, rushing to get out of the bitter, biting wind, back to the warmth of home.

She reached home, her hand on the door handle when...............

Yes, there was no mistake this time, she heard her name being called. Softly, sweetly.

She turned her head, looking for the source. But of course there was nobody there!

She smiled, realising that they were still there, after all. Biding their time until she was well.

Then came the rush of love which filled her to bursting.

'Don't worry my child, we have not left you, we were always here, watching, waiting for today.'

And with a beautiful rush the voices returned. Spirit voices, the loved ones who had passed into another realm. She was home again.