Mrs. Margaret Clarke watches the clock with a frown as the room empties. All the other children have been collected by their parents; only one boy, Ethan, remains. He sits in the corner, quietly pushing a little toy car back and forth.
He lets out a heavy sigh, glances out the dark window, then at the door.
Mrs. Clarke, he says, I saw a big dog by the fence this afternoon. It might still be there. Mum is standing outside, scared to go in. Could we go out and shoo it away?
No dog, Ethan. Dont make things up. Ill try calling your mother again.
Mrs. Clarke picks up the phone and dials Ethans mother once more. The line rings, but no one answers. She checks her watch, worry deepening.
Something must have happened, she thinks. Ethans father isnt in the picture, and his mother is always so responsible. She loves him. If she were delayed, shed have called.
Ethan, lets get you dressed. Well go to my flat for a while.
Is my mum coming? Ethan asks, nervous. Shell be here, and we wont be.
Well leave her a note, Mrs. Clarke suggests. Shell read it and come over. Ill write down the address and my number. Its getting late, and my cat is hungry.
You have a cat? A real, live cat? Ethans eyes light up. Can I play with it?
Sure, lets go.
Ethan steps into Mrs. Clarkes flat, which feels warm and cosy. The smell of fresh scones drifts from the kitchen. A huge, sleepy ginger cat stretches out on the sofa, tolerating the boys playful antics while enjoying the pats. After a cup of tea, Ethan drifts off to sleep.
Mrs. Clarke gently lifts him onto the bed, then heads to the kitchen with her phone. After long conversations with the police and the accident bureau, she learns that a young woman has been taken to the hospital with serious injuries from a road collision and is unconscious.
When she wakes up, could you please tell her that Ethan is safe with me? Shell be relieved. Well visit her later.
She returns to the bedroom. Ethan sits up, tears streaming down his cheeks.
Wheres my mum? he sobs. I want to go home. I dont want to stay here. At home Mum is crying, the crib is crying, all my toys are waiting for me. Please, take me home.
Little one, dont cry, Mrs. Clarke comforts him. Mum is at work. Shell be fine. This place is safe. I love you, and the cat loves you too.
No, shes waiting for me, Ethan continues, his voice trembling. I cant be without her. Did she fly up to the sky?
No, Ethan, she didnt. Everythings alright. Why do you ask?
My dad went up to the sky, he says, pausing, and Grandma too. Theyre looking down on me now. When I behave, theyre happy. What if Mum goes up there as well?
Mrs. Clarke pulls him close, holding him tightly as he leans his head against her shoulder.
Dont worry, your mum is strong. Tomorrow well go to see her first thing. Shes not at work; shes in the hospital. Shes just a bit ill.
Is it her throat hurting, like mine? Ethan winces.
Yes, her throat and a little arm pain. Shell get better, and youll go home together.
Shell need warm milk with honey. Should we bring her some?
Of course we will. Now close your eyes, and Ill tell you a story.
Mrs. Clarke, why do you live alone? Ethan asks suddenly.
The question catches Mrs. Clarke off guard, and tears spill from her eyes.
I once had a husband and a son. They went to the country house, and I stayed home to tidy up. An accident happened, and now Im alone with the cat. I wish they were still here.
Did they go up to the sky?
Yes, she sighs.
Dont cry, Ethan says gently. Theyre watching over you. When youre happy, theyre happy; when youre sad, theyre sad too. My mum told me that. Lets not make them sad.
Mrs. Clarke wipes away her tears, embraces Ethan, and gives him a kiss.
Lets get some sleep; we have to get up early tomorrow. Id like you to stay with me while your mum is in the hospital. Itll be more cheerful with the cat. Agree?
Agreed, Ethan nods. Ill help. I can wash the dishes. Can I call you Gran?
Sure, Ethan. Sleep now.
Mrs. Clarke sits by the window for a long while, dabbing at her tears as Ethan sleeps soundly in the spare cot.
Years pass.
Ethan wakes up early, jumps out of bed, and stretches. The kitchen fills with the aroma of freshly baked scones. He peeks in.
Gran, why are you up so early? he asks, giving Mrs. Clarke a quick kiss on the cheek.
I couldnt sleep. I thought you and your mum would be up, and Id have scones for you. It makes me happy, and I hope it brightens your day. Come, Ill pour you some milk. Ill rest my eyes when the time comes.
