February 23, 2012 @11:56 pm
This story first appeared on my Tumblr.
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Amelie curled up on the floor and cried. She pulled the old teddy bear that was by her leg and clutched it to her chest. Her mother lowered herself onto the floor, and ran her fingers through Amelie’s hair.
Hey puppy, what’s wrong?
I dowan go school.
Why not?
Dowan go. I want Mummy play with me.
If you don’t go to school, your friends will be very sad.
Dowan go. I want Mummy play with me.
Her mother took the little girl’s chin in her hands and gently wiped the tears. She lifted the cherubic face, criss-crossed with streams of tears.
Does Amelie want to play ‘Simon Says’?
Simon says… touch your nose. Amelie touched her nose. Simon says… wipe your nose. Amelie ran to get a piece of tissue, wiped her nose, threw the tissue in the dustbin, and then lay down on the floor. Simon says… cycle your legs in the air! Amelie shrieked with laughter. Mummy legs up too! Simon says Mummy legs up up up! Her mother moaned softly as she cycled her legs in the air, as a dull pain coursed through her back.
Simon says… stop cycling and sit up. Amelie, jump on the sofa! Amelie ran towards the sofa, then screeched to a stop. But Simon din say. Her mother laughed.
Simon says… Mummy loves Amelie! Amelie ran into her mother’s outstretched arms, and nuzzled her face in her mother’s unwashed hair. Her mother stole a glance at the clock. Ten minutes to eight. Perfect.
Simon says… Mummy and Amelie take their bags and go for a walk. Simon says… Mummy and Amelie take the lift downstairs. Simon says… Amelie will go to school today and have lots of fun. Simon says… Amelie will tell Mummy all about school when she comes back.
Amelie pulled back. Amelie must go school? Her mother squat kissed the toddler’s forehead, and hugged her tightly. Simon says Mummy will always love Amelie. Always.
Amelie pushed her away. Always? Always.
Amelie smiled and boarded the school bus. Her mother waved as the bus drove away. A single tiny hand could be seen waving frantically from inside the bus.
Her mother turned, sighing. Firstborn settled. It was now time for her newborn. She wondered how many more times she would have to play Simon Says before normalcy returned.Labels: childhood game
scripted by me