Short Stories

Housing Estate

She tumbled after him, loving the fire that danced in his, usually, dark eyes. He was the happiest she had ever seen him; and she loved it. Her feet awkwardly bent around the park's uneven grass. He laughed lightly as she clung to his back trying to stay up. He slipped his fingers into hers and they continued to explore the park that was new to both of them. Their eyes bored into each others; only to be broken from each others gaze by a young girls menacing scream. Their heads whipped around, looking for the source of the fearful shriek. Ricky pulled her behind the tree and pointed to a house, not too far from them, with a mother and a child standing in their short drive-way. The mother had a strong clasp on the, maybe, 5 year old girl. The young girl was crying quietly and the mother released her strong grip; just to smack her child on the back of the head. Ricky shook his head and she tried to keep herself from crying. They continued to watch the scene in front of them, gobsmacked and unsure of what they should do. The mother pulled the daughter into their house by her hair, before slamming the door shut - the sound echoing around the large housing estate and park. The couple turned to each other and Ricky pulled her into a safe hug, she began to lightly sob. Why would a mother do such a thing? "Why didn't we save her?" She asked between sobs. Ricky didn't know why they hadn't, but he knew they shouldn't have interfered. "We'll call child serviced when we get home, yeah?" She numbly nodded and grasped Rick like he was her only source of life. She gripped his shirt so tight her knuckles were white, and fingertips numb. He didn't mind, he was still in shock - he just wanted to be there for her.