By SC Shelby
After their mother passed, the girls took to a fantasy.
Caped and crowned, they dubbed themselves princesses, knighting their dogs. The quartet moved into the garden shed, declaring it an unbreachable castle, sanctuary from their father’s horrific, alcohol-fuelled grief.
Crayon drawings of their mother covered the wooden walls. Breadcrusts staled on the floor.
A summer day saw the princesses and knights picnicking on the front lawn, a lavish meal of crackers and warm juice boxes spread out.
Disconsolate, their father entered the castle, proving magic ineffective.
Setting the drawings of his wife ablaze, he lay, numbly content, awaiting the burning beams.
So sad, beautifully done.
Heartbreaking story very well told.
Acutely observed and eloquently described. Insightfully heartrending.