We’re Not In Kansas Anymore - Chapter 4
I pressed my ear up to the door and listened as hard as I could. There was nothing to be heard. I peered through the window. There was nothing to be seen. Getting locked out of my own home twice in a week was not good. I hoped that my daughters would not find out. They would not care or even believe that this time it was not my fault. This was rather bothersome.
I was feeling somewhat shaken as I sat back down on the glider. It was a little cooler this evening so I wrapped my husband’s cardigan tightly around me. I liked watching the stars come out as the day disappeared. I sang Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star to myself. It helped me to feel calm. My mother used to sing it to me when I was a little girl. My Father made me go into the cellar if he thought I’d been naughty. I didn’t like it there. Mother sang to help me feel better. That was such a long time ago.
Eventually my nerves settled down so I made myself comfortable on the glider. It was a bit too early to go to sleep so I passed the time by creating my own constellations with the stars. That group looked like a little sailing boat. The ones over there reminded me of a castle. My favourites were the ones that looked like a puppy chasing its tail. I couldn’t help but giggle.
I must have drifted off to sleep as the next thing I knew a light was shining in my face. “Ma’am? Are you alright?” I held my hand up to my eyes. A young police officer was pointing his torch at me. He looked very handsome in his crisp uniform.
“I’m fine, officer,” I replied as I pushed myself into a sitting position. “What brings you here?” Although still feeling a little drowsy I remembered to smile.
“One of your neighbours reported that your lights were still on. They thought that was a bit odd as it’s the middle of the night so called to let us know of their concern. I was in the area so thought I’d check in on you.”
“Oh dear me! What a bother I am. I locked myself out of my house earlier. I didn’t mean to put anyone out.”
“It’s no bother, ma’am. Now let’s see if I can help you get back into your home.” He walked to the back door and turned the handle. The door swung open. “It appears to be unlocked, ma’am.”
The intruders were clearly trying to make me look foolish. I would not let them get the better of me. I kept the smile on my face. “I’m so sorry officer, wasting your time like this. You must think me a frightfully silly old thing!”
“Not at all, ma’am. My shift’s just finishing and I’m glad to be able to help. Now, let’s get you inside.” He helped me up and gently assisted me into the house. Such a kind young man.
“I think I need a cup of tea to warm my bones. Would you care for a cup, officer? I would feel better if I had someone to sit with me for a little while.”
I noticed that he glanced at his watch. Then he nodded. “That would be much appreciated, ma’am.”
“Thank you officer. You have been most kind. I shall use my good cups.” I readied two tea pots. I put ordinary tea in the one for me. “I make my own special blend,” I told him as I prepared the other pot. “I do hope you like it.”
