The Camden Tales

32 - Towards Purple

-=₪ January 1926 ₪=-

Home / 150 Camden Street / 6.55pm

A fire crackled gently in the bathroom next to the tub where Malka was enjoying a warm soak with baby Alfred. Alfie had been gone for a few days now and the resulting ebb and flow of Alfred's willingness to participate in the day's activities were proving challenging.

Meal times had become a complete disaster. He refused to be in his high chair and wouldn't take a single spoonful of anything solid. Edna had found every meal she had prepared either on the floor, over walls or on nearby furniture. His sleep routine was even worse, officially entering nonexistent. No longer would he go down for naps but opted to become unreasonably tired instead. His general mood was stuck on gloomy, much like the weather he seemed to summon forth with it. Sobbing, sore red eyes and sticky snot around his face had become regular features. If that wasn't enough, Alfred had also taken to screaming if left alone in his crib, causing Malka to enter into a bad habit of keeping him in bed with her each night.

Things had been so chaotic the last few days that Malka was desperate to find a way of resetting Alfred to a reasonable baseline. Something that would stop the tears and screaming, even if just for a few hours, something they could enjoy together was preferable, along with something that, with any luck, would calm him into some form of submission.

The one time of day that still ran somewhat smoothly was bathtime and for this reason it had become Malka's favourite time of the day. This evening she had decided to bathe with Alfred, something she had never done before, but Abigail had mentioned that it can be wonderful for bonding and Malka was certain that increased comfort and bonding between her and Alfred could only aid during the current Papa drought.

Much to her relief it was proving successful. The tears had subsided and his mood had become, dare she acknowledge, jovial. He splashed in the water, played with the bubbles and even indulged Malka with a few hugs. To hear him giggle and happily chat in his way lifted her spirits and a heavy weight from her heart.

Her biggest worry now was his eating. The previous day Malka had called the doctor for advice, but he had reassured that the boy would not starve himself, he would eat when good and ready. She didn't feel very reassured however, and took this heartwarming moment to embrace Alfred against her warm soapy skin in hopes he might show interest in feeding. He didn't, but his small arms made an attempt to wrap around her contently, which helped her nervous energy and worries melt away.

The recently renewed fire was roaring in the master bedroom, heating the large room efficiently. Edna had also drawn the thick, heavy curtains and turned down the bed ready for Mrs Solomons and Master Alfred. The dim end table lamps kept the room lit, but gently so, as the flames flickered casting dancing shadows on the walls.

Malka entered from the bathroom door wearing her white Egyptian cotton robe with Alfred wrapped in an equally luxurious towel. He was starting to grumble as she carried him in her arms around to her side of the bed. Setting him down and freeing him of the towel, Alfred became increasingly restless and grizzly. Malka tried stroking his cheek but it wasn't helping, regardless, she proceeded in good spirits to dry and dress him with a warm smile and gentle words of encouragement.

He looked ever so tired, which was not a surprise. Surely he would fall asleep soon, she thought, and noted Alfred clearly had the will to show dissatisfaction and anger about the absence of his Papa, but didn't have the energy with which to express it as desired.

With Alfred ready for bed, Malka helped him into Alfie's side of the bed. He seemed to enjoy burying his head into the pillow, as if smelling hod father and finding comfort from it. Malka picked up a book from her nightstand and turned to Alfred. To her surprise, he rolled over with tear striken red eyes and kicked off the bedsheet angrily. Usually, once tucked into Alfie's side of the bed, Alfred never attempted escape or showed dissatisfaction.