The Red King and the Witch

Ending is the Beginning

Thinking back now it was fitting that my last night home was my first night back.

A parade of hugs and endless amounts of beer had pulled me back to my old self for an evening.

A night that hadn't been about my nightmares, but friendship, fun, and normality.

I wish I would have known then, that it would be the last night of normal I would ever have again.

The streets were quiet when my taxi pulled up.

If England kept one tradition alive it was tea, and I knew at five o'clock Uncle Robert would have it set by the time I arrived.

"Finally after all these years we meet again, Lass!" Uncle Robert crowed from his doorway as I pulled my suitcase and duffel from the boot of the taxi car.

He's gotten older, his hair was all grey and still wild as ever. He had on his classic cable knit jumper and black slacks.

It didn't matter that he'd been retired for more than a few years, he still dressed like a Professor.

He met me halfway up the walk and all the anxiety and nerves I had inside me since I boarded in Chicago, just slipped away for a moment, and I was an eleven year old kid again.

He still smelled like books and cigarettes.

His frame which used to cover my own, is now slightly smaller than mine, he still had those mischievous brown eyes now topped with bushy white eyebrows, but is presence was still held that same warm bookish quality.

He was effectively an old man now.

"You've seemed to have grown into your role as the stout Professor Uncle Bobby," I smiled and squeezed him tightly.

"If you keep this up they might as well cast you as the next Doctor." I giggled as he scoffed at my joke.

"Oh hush you, I am still as young as ever I'll have you know. It's you who's gone and grown up against my better wishes." his deep accent grumbled but smiled as he pulled back, hands cupping my cheeks as we both took each other in after nine years of separation.

"Oh lass, you got your fathers eyes and your mothers looks' ' he sighed, misty eyed as he stepped back and bent to grab my duffel.

"Inside girl, inside. Tea is done and I'm sure you could use a good cuppa after your long journey." he motioned back to the door and we both headed inside away from the October chill.

Uncle Robert's small home was exactly the same as ever, the small sitting room to the left with its green couch and old 1980's television in the exact same positions as it was my whole childhood.

Books laid about on random surfaces, scattered papers littered the coffee table and writing desk that I was sure was from the forties.

The kitchen was at least more modern now with an updated stove and fridge but they stuck out like sore thumbs against the butter yellow and white striped walls.

"Well sit down girl, sit down. Let's have a good look at you." Uncle Robert states once I grab a seat, the table is filled with tea and biscuits.

He eyes me then, taking his Professor glasses out and studying me from head to toe.

When I was younger, I thought this game of detection was fun. Uncle Robert would point out things that I had done or were about to do and I would laugh and be enthralled with how clever he was, now I just felt trapped.

"Well your eyes are the most changed about you, as well your smile. You've certainly seen enough of the world for the moment I gather?" he asked, his eyes questioning wearily.