𝓛𝓮𝓸𝓷 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭𝔂| 𝗜𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝟯

Promised Playgrounds

I sigh, furiously typing on my laptop as I email the government and other funders back and forth. Since they bailed on my meeting to apparently go and spend time at their 'gentleman's club' I've been trying to contact them in different ways, but getting ahold of some important people isn't as easy as you'd think.

Leon comes into view, walking into my office with two steaming mugs in his hand. Wordlessly he sets it on my desk then begins sipping his own, a warm and strong hand rests on my shoulder. I continue to frown, clicking back onto my document filled with months worth of planning and instructions. Everything is written down and ready to sign off, I don't get why the government are ignoring this. Brushing it aside.

"If you type any faster I think you'll break it honey." Leon murmurs, adding a small laugh when he senses my sour mood. I huff, closing the lid harsher than intended, wincing at the smack. A tired sigh escapes my lips as tears spring to my eyes, and Leon immediately frowns, kneeling down and spinning my chair until I'm facing him. "What's wrong?"

I bite my lip, shaking my head until I can talk without screaming or crying. "They're ignoring me. I'm trying to get a playground built in that area where the last bioterrorist attack took place. The community is being rebuilt, but there's kids there, I just wanted to do something to help, but since I haven't got the money myself..." I lead off with an angry huff, crossing my arms over my chest.

Leon's lips pinch together, as if he's annoyed on my behalf. "I could try and talk to them next time I'm at the White House? They kind of owe me some of their time at this point." Leon suggests, arching a brow at me. I nod, but then my phone pings. Thinking it's a positive sign I snatch it from the desk, reading my newest email, but as my eyes scan it, my scowl deepens until I'm swearing and clenching my fists.

Leon watches, waiting for me to explain my outburst. I'm fuming. Shaking with rage. "They basically said it's a waste of money, but they're willing to set up a fundraiser."

"That's not what you wanted, but it's better than nothing, right?" Leon lightly says, gently tip toeing around my mood.

A fake laugh rips from me as I slam my phone down. "Yeah, if I can wait two years!" I add, closing my eyes as I take a deep breath. Leon murmurs something to me, but I don't hear him as I cry, he pulls me to his chest, wrapping his arms around me as I feel my defeat.

"They have so much money and I can't believe not one will fund a fucking playground. It's not like I'm asking for a massive sum of money. I just wanted the kids to have something nice, something they can enjoy to help create some happiness after the incident." I mumble, breaths hitching from my sadness.

Leon rubs my back, pressing soft kisses to my head. "It's okay, we'll figure it out."

A Few Months Later

I look to Leon curiously as he drives down the country road, the car bumping and swerving around the potholes and rubble. It's been a year since the bioterrorist attack took place here, and multiple B.O.W.s were let loose, but they were soon took down and the community has begin to rebuild. I remember trying to get some things built here a few months back, but after constant rejections and set backs, I sadly had to give up, and donate what I could instead.

We soon enter the small village, where temporary houses mix with some newer ones that are built. Children run around laughing, and people chat to one another.  They all look happy, and it makes me feel a little better, despite the stinging feeling that I've somehow failed this place.

"Why did you bring me here Leon?" I finally ask, looking to him as he parks the car. He lets out a breath, swallowing as if nervous, then points ahead to the meadow like area in the distance. I narrow my eyes, leaning forward in my seat until my nose is pressed against the window, then I gasp, freezing as I take it in.

There's a massive playground built there, with swings and climbing frames and slides. A group of children play, their giggles echo to us as tears roll down my cheeks. "How?" I whisper.

Leon smiles, taking my hand in his, squeezing it as he replies. "I might have made a small donation." He shrugs.

I laugh, springing forwards and wrapping my arms around him as I loop my arms around his neck, repeating a heartfelt "Thank you."

We get out of the car, hand in hand as I race to the playground, watching the children notice us. I kneel down, offering safety and niceties, then soon enough we're invited to play. Leon's pushing some kids on the swings as I cheer at the kids climbing the monkey bars, the sun shines and the sky is blue, it's full of joy where there was once sorrow.

Hours later, when the children are called home and I'm sweating from the heat, Leon tugs me across the meadow to a large open area. Standing behind me, he points to different spots. "I'm having a doctors surgery built there, and Chris, Jill and Claire are helping me to fund a community centre there."

I grin, turning around and cupping his cheek. "Thank you so much. I- I love you, and I'll never forget this. But I do have one question...how did you pay for all this? I mean I know your salary is good and all, but..."

Leon chuckles, sliding an arm around my waist as we head back to the car. "I...persuaded the government to up my pay, since I'm their best agent and all."

I don't ask further questions, but I nod and lean into him anyway as we go to the car, and begin grabbing the boxes of food and supplies we brought with us, handing them out with wide smiles whilst chatting with the locals.