Crunchy

Today’s https://wordofthedaychallenge.wordpress.com/tag/challenge/ is the noun gravel.

The gravel, crunchy under her trainers, Gina walked towards the house she never thought she would see again. Sixteen, running away from home was the only option. She hated living in the mansion. Her only company the hired help.

Her nanny tried her best, but all she wanted was some sign her parents loved her. Busy at work, their only communication with her was about her grades. How was she ever going to take over the business if she didn’t try harder.

Had it been twenty years since she walked out?

‘Mummy, is this where you grew up?’ Clara said.

‘Yes.’

‘Did you have a pony?’

For the first time she smiled. ‘Yes, he was called Sugar lumps.’

Standing in front of the door, Charlene stopped, not sure she was doing the right thing, but Clara needed family, someone to look after her. The diagnosis of heart trouble, and she didn’t want her child to be alone.

She knocked three times, before the door opened.

Her mother, older than she remembered, stood in front of her. ‘Charlene?’

‘Mum, can I come in?’

At first, she thought the door was going to be slammed in her face, especially when she glanced at Clara. Regular letters were always sent back, but today the door was opened with a smile.