Tuesday 17 April 2012

April A-Z blogging challenge 2012 O is for October


April A-Z blogging challenge 2012
O is for the fifteenth of 26 short stories - 250 words or fewer - about the life and times of a fictional character called Alice.


In October 1957 Alice’s first child was born. When Ivy visited her in hospital she gazed at the pleated face of her grandson. He yawned and opened his fathomless navy blue eyes.

‘Have you thought of any names?’ Ivy asked.

‘Norman and I decided on Edward John,’ said Alice. Her mother blinked back tears and looked down at the baby.

‘He has a look of Edward about him,’ she said softly as the baby grasped her finger.

As Edward John grew into a sturdy toddler his resemblance to his late uncle intensified. Even Norman’s parents, who had only ever seen photographs of Edward as a young man, remarked on the likeness.

Daniel’s perpetual gloom lifted whenever he saw his nephew. The lines of pain scored on his face softened and Ruth, watching him, glimpsed a shadow of the young man she had married. Not for the first time she wondered if her marriage would have been happier if there had been children. The little boy was quieter when he was with Daniel, as though he sensed an unquiet soul.

For Ivy, he was her lost son returned. His temperament was exactly that of Edward’s. He was a mischievous, loving child, often in scrapes and full of smiles. His infectious giggle made everybody laugh, particularly Ivy, whose face lit up every time she saw him. The years of sorrow dropped away and she became again the spirited woman she had been before the war.

15 comments:

  1. Oh, it is so true that a young child can change hearts! What a gift to all was Edward John.

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  2. Aww, I love how a newcomer to the family made everything a little brighter again!

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  3. This is such a sweet story, thanks for sharing!

    Wagging Tales

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  4. Nothing like the miracle of a baby.

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  5. children are a wondrous blessing
    I love 'he has the look of an Edward' - so sweet
    wonderful story

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  6. Thanks for sharing. I loved this story. :) Oh, kids are a blessing, and can change alot. :)

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  7. I'm visiting from the A to Z circuit.

    ... I caught the story in the middle... but it seems like the arrival of the baby has brought joy to quite a few characters...

    Enjoy the rest of the challenge.
    Nice to meet you. *waves*

    http://writer-in-transit.co.za/ostinato/

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  8. I am really enjoying your story Janice-very moving and I look forward to each new episode!

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  9. Wonderful! So, this is my firt time here, so I hope to find more on this story...or, wait, I think it said 26 short stories..which is totally cool too! Loved this - want to know more!!! Great, and smooth (which is a compliment), writing!

    Texas Playwright Chick

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  10. Wonderful! So, this is my firt time here, so I hope to find more on this story...or, wait, I think it said 26 short stories..which is totally cool too! Loved this - want to know more!!! Great, and smooth (which is a compliment), writing!

    Texas Playwright Chick

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  11. Wonderful! So, this is my firt time here, so I hope to find more on this story...or, wait, I think it said 26 short stories..which is totally cool too! Loved this - want to know more!!! Great, and smooth (which is a compliment), writing!

    Texas Playwright Chick

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  12. Glad to see that Edward made a little happiness return to the family.

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  13. How wonderful that the toddler is somehow reaching Daniel!

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  14. Hi Janice .. interesting that the new grand/son affected so many .. as I'm sure they do in real life - good to read about Ruth feeling happier, and then Daniel responding ..

    Cheers Hilary

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  15. It sounds like little Edward John is bringing some sunshine to lift everyone's spirits.

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