Paper Daisies - #wattys2017

Henry

It was early in the morning on an overcast and smoggy Monday. Henry always got up early to prepare his little haberdashery for the day ahead. He loved his work, doing the odd tailoring job here and there and suppling decorative hats to one of the larger London department stores.

Henry loved Mondays. At 7AM sharp a young delivery boy would come around with a delivery of decorative pieces, such as ribbons, flowers and feathers, for his commissioned hats. He would always have a nice chat with the delivery boy, James, and slip him some bread. The poor boy hardly ate and was worked to the bone running all around London, from factory to shop.

The bell rang over the door as it opened, alerting Henry to the arrival of who he presumed to be James with that weeks order. Coming out from the back storeroom he spoke.

"Morning James –" He paused looking up from his clipboard that listed his fabrics and peered through is circular spectacles at the boy who had entered his shop. "You're not James."

"No, sir." Said the new arrival. He wore a newsboy cap on top of rather dirty looking red hair. His button up shit was smudged with mud, as was his skin. He held up a wooden crate, which looked to be around the same size as he.

"Well then, who are you?" Henry asked.

"Barrow, sir, Charlie Barrow."

"What happened to James, Barrow?"

"Don't know, sir. All I knows is that I've got to deliver this crate to a 'Mr Henry Parker.'" He read the name off of a label on the crate. "Is that you?"

"Yes, that's me." Henry put his clipboard down on the counter before taking the crate from Charlie and brought into the storeroom, Charlie followed behind.

"So what do you do with all those ribbons?" He asked, peering over Henry's shoulder as the man started to sort through the delivery.

"They're mostly for decorating ladies hats, but some are for their gowns." Henry replied, making a few notes on his clipboard.

"D'you get paid for that?" Charlie's voice was bordering on astonished.

"Yes." Henry replied, scratching his thinning hair as he stood back up. Charlie immediately jumped back a step. Henry let out a sigh before speaking once more. "Would you like something to eat? I normally give James a little something."

Charlie's eyes lit up at such a though as he nodded his head eagerly.

Henry guided the boy back into the main part of the shop. Charlie walked around to be on the customer's side of the wooden and Henry opened a draw opposite. He pulled out a slice of bread spread with thinned butter and had a small hunk of cheese atop it wrapped in greaseproof paper. He slid it across the counter and Charlie grabbed it, hastily unwrapping the package. He took a large bite and moaned in delight.

Henry smiled to himself, seeing the boy's delight at having something to eat. Judging by how skinny Charlie was he didn't eat often.

Charlie ate half of the food before he placed the rest inside the paper and folded into his pocket. Henry gave him a slightly confused look, James had always wolfed down the treat, hardly leaving a crumb.

"For my sister." Charlie said as way of explanation, patting the bludge in his pocket.

"Ah," Henry said nodding in understanding. Before he could ask about Charlie's sister, he heard movement from the apartment upstairs and knew that his wife and son must have woken. "Well you best be off now Charlie, go give that bread and cheese to your sister now."

Charlie nodded and gripped the tip of his hat in thanks. "Thankyou, Mr Parker, sir." He said before going out the door onto the street outside, the bell above the door announcing his departure. As he left Henry noticed that a light drizzle ha begun outside.