Rainy Days And Bingo Nights

“Are you lost?” the little girl asked. Yes, thought Alice, lost in memories of a carefree past when I, too, could splash about in puddles and have fun ...

- Elizabeth McKay

Alice watched raindrops sliding down the window pane and sighed at the thought of another day held hostage inside, playing card games – or worse, bingo.

She heard children’s voices outside and wiped the glass clear with the back of her hand to catch a glimpse of them. They presented a pretty picture through the frame as they headed for the pond in their coloured jackets and patterned wellington boots.

The littlest one, a girl, was wearing a bright sunshine yellow raincoat and wellies, and carrying a pretty child’s umbrella. The older ones, a boy and a girl, had drawn the cords on the hoods of their jackets tight.

Alice watched them skimming stones across the water, remembering how she and Bert used to do the same.

The girls shrieked when the boy filled a plastic bottle with water and started chasing them, but they were laughing too.

Alice went downstairs. She heard Ivy Carson’s voice ordering everyone about. 

Impulsively, Alice opened the front door and walked over to the pond.

“Hello,” the boy said, frowning curiously. “Hello,” Alice smiled at him. “You shouldn’t be outside without a coat,” said the older girl. “You’re all wet.” Alice stared at her brown skirt and cardigan. She only had sandals on her feet.