ONE
602 Words
The next day comes with a stunning sunrise streaming through the window onto my face. I turn over in the bed to look over at Lucille. Only to find that she is all curled up and whimpering.
I instantly gently rap her in my arms and silently rock her as she slowly becomes aware of her surroundings.
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Days and weeks go by with me teaching Lucille the ways of the world and to look after herself. No signs of her mother or father, or any other relatives, as she grows up.
My parents had left to go to the city a year ago, so that means that I am looking after Lucille all on my own.
“Hey Lucille!” I yell through the house from the kitchen.
I hear little footsteps running up the stairs from the basement. "You are not meant to be down there Lucille..." I warn as she comes to a stop next to me.
"But it's fun!" she squeals while bouncing around in circles.
"Well... I have a surprise for you-"
"What?! Surprise?!" She says looking at me with doe eyes.
"Yes, now do you think you could help me with putting these into the basket on the table?" I ask while handing her a few bowls of fruit and sandwiches.
"Yes!" She exclaims while sticking her tongue out, in concentration as she takes the bowls and places them in the basket carefully.
I grab the blanket and the water bottles as i close the basket and pick it up, heading to the back door.
"Come on!" I say over my shoulder.
She runs over and grabs hold of my out-stretched hand.
"Where are we going Hazey?" Lucille asks as she looks around at the beautiful forest and the magic particles floating around.
"A magical place." I reply.
It took around half an hour to walk to the place. "You ready?" I ask as I cover her eyes from behind.
She excitedly nods in response.
Walking a few more steps I uncover her eyes and she looks around in bewilderment.
"It's so pretty!" she says in awe, running around the meadow.
"Come on, let's have some lunch." I call her over to sit on the blanket that I just rolled out.
We stay, playing around in the long, luscious green grass. Watching the deer and the rabbits coming and going. Before long, the sky starts to fade orange.
"We need to head home now, Luce"
"Okay, Hazey."
I decide to pick Luce up and give her a piggy-back ride, as she was tired and we had to race to get home before nightfall.
All sorts of beasts come out at night, some are nice but others, will kill without another thought. Most look like animals out of fairy tales, But, there are a few that look monstrous and deadly. Fortunately, the most dangerous beasts are up at the top of the mountain in the center of the forest.
We finally make it back home just as i hear a growl in the distance.
Lucille starts to yawn from being warn out after running around all day. "Ready to go to bed Luce?"
"Mhmm..." she mumbles into the back of my neck.
I slowly walk over to her room and place her on the bed, which she curls into, peacefully falling asleep.
Slowly and quietly I leave the room and walk across the hall to mine. I get changed into my checkered pyjamas and climb into bed.
“I don’t know how this is all going to work…” I think as I fall to sleep.
- Writer
