A Remaining Podeshire 1

Prologue

"Oliver Podeshire."

     Margaret gently lifts her toddler, Oliver, from the bed and whispers his name. She cradles him in her arms, carrying him with love and passion as she approaches a window. As she leans on the crystal-clear glass, Margaret gazes at the world beyond, taking in the calming sights and sounds of the vast grasslands.

"That is your name," Margaret said. "...Can you say your name?" she smiled as her nose touched Oliver's.

     Oliver giggles and squirms in Margaret's arms. He laughs as he pushes his mother's face away with his tiny hands. Then, his bright, glistening eyes dart at the endless plains outside the glossy window.

"Oli~" Margaret whispered.

Oliver cooed as he glanced at his mother. "Hmm!"

"Can you say your name?" she beamed with a broader smile.

"Blah!" Oliver grinned.

"Oli..." Margaret prompted Oliver to speak as she hugged her son.

"...O-lee!"

"...Ver," she continued.

"B-burr!"

"...Oliver!" Margaret ventured as she leapt on her toes, causing Oliver to chuckle.

"Oliver!" Oliver giggled.

"You did it! How wonderful!" said Margaret.

     Margaret blissfully spun Oliver in her hands. Oliver exclaimed in joy and laughed. Then, the two cuddled each other, feeling their warmth pass onto one another.

     Suddenly, the bedroom door swung open. Then, a man entered. It was none other than Oliver's father, Albert.

"Honey!" Albert entered the room with a bright smile.

     Albert stood by the doorway, his hand frozen on the doorknob. His gaze fixed on Margaret's delicate eyes. The two stared at each other and exchanged warm smiles.

"A-Albert...?" Margaret gasped.

"...I'm home," Albert continued, his shoulders lowering in relief.

     Scars and filth shroud Albert's pale skin. His warm, frizzy hair dangles down by his ears. And his brown eyes begin to fill with tears.

     Margaret takes slow and steady paces towards Albert. As Margaret approaches him, Albert's glance drops, and he spots a toddler in her arms. Albert cannot help but notice the young boy's hair colour similar to his.

"Oh," Margaret introduced her son to Albert. "...Oliver, meet your father... Albert."

     Oliver and Albert's gazes meet and lock on each other. They stare at one another with benevolent grins. Oliver then reaches his hand forward and touches Albert's nose as he smiles with an open mouth.

"...Oliver," Albert smiled.