LAUGHTER

Chapter 9 The first sign

Annabelle's POV

Laughter turned two today.

And in a way that only he could,he began to walk and talk on the same day.His first words,his first steps,each one a gift,a miracle,a promise.

By the age of two and a half,he was enrolled in school.But even then,he spoke clearer and more confidently than many of his classmates.There was something undeniably different*about him,sharp, observant,and wise beyond his years.

Seven Weeks Later

Third Person POV

In the corner of the nursery classroom,two boys sat during recess.

"Hey,Laughter,"Paul whispered,just loud enough for a few ears to hear."Where is your daddy?You don't have one,right?"

Before Laughter could respond,the teacher who had been eavesdropping chimed in with a cruel smirk.

"Paul,don't tease him,"she said mockingly."Of course he doesn't have a daddy.He's a bastard."

The class erupted in Laughter as though the words the teacher spoke were a new nursery rhyme.

Laughter sat still,not a word,not a tear.He didn't flinch.He didn't blink.He simply stared ahead,calm and composed,like silence itself had chosen him.

Later That Day

Back at Annabelle's Shop

Laughter ran into his mother's arms,holding her tightly.His face was buried in her chest,trembling.

"My love,what is it?"Annabelle asked,cupping his small face."Talk to Mummy"

"They laughed at me,"he said between sobs."They said I don't have a daddy… and my teacher called me a bastard."

Annabelle's heart sank.

"What?"she whispered,more to herself than to him. "A teacher?'

She took a breath,calming herself before stroking his hair.

"Listen to me,my love.You do have a daddy.God is your Father,your first and greatest protector.And that teacher…"She paused."She needs to be taught a lesson"

Laughter looked up,wiping his own tears."She needs to be taught a lesson?"

"Yes, my dear."

He blinked,stood up with surprising calm,and walked away to play as though nothing had happened.

"Done,"he said softly,almost like a vow whispered to the wind.