Protector

Written for https://mindlovemiserysmenagerie.wordpress.com/2023/08/29/photo-challenge-479/

Armed with a piece of paper and crayon, Miles rubbed against the brave bark of the oak tree. He didn’t want to talk to anyone today; not without getting angry. His teacher had already told him off for pushing his friend Toby. It was an accident – but she wouldn’t believe him.

Well, that strictly wasn’t true, if he were honest.

He kept on going on about his birthday party, on Saturday, and how they had balloons, a big Cake Box cake, and lots of games. He was invited, but Dad said he couldn’t go. Mum did try, even got a gift off Sharing is Caring Facebook page. It wasn’t enough. He spent all Saturday in his room trying not to listen to the crashes below his bedroom.

‘That’s a lovely bark colouring. I love the different colours.’ Miss Thompson said.

‘Thank you Miss . . . Is Toby okay, I didn’t mean to hurt him.’

‘He’s okay, worried about you actually.’

‘That’s good, Miss Thompson . . . I made him a gift.’ He handed over his bark rubbing.

‘You keep it, I think he would rather you spoke to him instead . . . Miles, what happened. You two are good friends.’

‘I couldn’t go to his party, he had cake and everything.’

‘Why couldn’t you go?’

His hands smoothed over the paper, the smooth with the rough edges, that’s what marriage was like. So Mummy said anyway. She told him, better to stay quiet, do your best at school and Daddy would be happy. It was, just, he couldn’t put any of his feelings into proper words. ‘Daddy . . . I mean, he couldn’t drive me.’

‘That’s a shame Miles.’

‘Miss Thompson, can I ask you something?’

A nod, like she could see through the wall he had built.

‘How can I be a good boy?’

‘You are, today was just a blip. We all get angry.’

He wasn’t ready to tell her yet – he wanted to say Daddy gets angry, and hits Mummy. She covers her face with concealer, to hide the bruises. He wanted to say, please help me; instead he looked up to see his best friend standing there. A big slice of cake in his hands.

‘I’m sorry,’ he said.

That’s what Daddy said, when he got angry.