By Geja Hadderingh-Holmes
I’d made it invincible.
High walls, studded with ribbed shells, reinforced with wooden lolly sticks. Colourful plastic flags, unmoved by the stiff breeze, supported the central tower. The deep moat created a strong barrier.
Dad stood over my masterpiece and stared out at the rapidly encroaching sea. Any fears of destruction were hidden in his softly spoken words.
“Time to go, my little King Cnut.”
I stared at the ocean, wagged my finger at the rolling water then picked up my yellow spade.
Overnight, the waves smashed endlessly against the castle’s defences, submerged the moat, and then slowly retreated in humiliation.
What a lovely story and so evocative. It brought back memories of growing up on the coast with the tides!
I did have a yellow spade. And that’s where it started.
Thanks for the comments.
This is a very good story, I enjoyed reading it.
Thanks. I write too many ‘dark’ stories – so this was fun.
Great story well told. We’ve all been there – either as a child or a parent.
Yes- I was trying to capture a child’s confidence and a parent’s mild anxiety.
Ahh, that was lovely. A joy to read 🙂
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.
I agree with all above! Delightful ending.
Thanks for your comments, Ruth.