Just Like You

Chapter 13: The farm

Mummy was writing at the table, and did not at first notice you standing in the doorway. She looked up only when she heard you shuffle your feet, hoping to attract her attention without seeming intrusive.

“I’m sorry, darling, I can’t talk. I have to finish this.”

She wrote some more, then looked up again as she realised you hadn’t replied. When she noticed the glistening in your eyes she put down her pen, came over and crouched down so as not to tower over you.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“It can’t be nothing.”

“You’re busy.”

“I’m never too busy to talk to you.”

This was the opposite of what she had said before, but rather than object you allowed yourself to be picked up and carried to the table. Mummy sat you on her lap and stroked your hair.

“What happened?”