Dody's post can be view on her site at "Treasured Encounters," and contains paragraphs from her touching memoir "Adventures in Mother-sitting" which should be required reading for anyone who is caring for, or who has ever cared for, another person. I can highly recommend Dody's site for anyone who enjoys short stories, poetry, and not forgetting some outstanding wildlife photography. Dody can also be found on Twitter @Mothersitting.
The following excerpt is from a work in progress, provisionally titled "Griffin Calling" and takes place in a school playground, as related by Frankie Shaunessy, an ordinary school-girl with an extra-ordinary talent.
Still smiling, the professor replaced the smart phone in his pocket, and with a pleasant nod towards our English teacher, Miss Gerraty, held out his hand.
'Good afternoon, Miss Gerraty. I'm Professor Chown, I'm overseeing this young lady's dear brother's rehabilitation.' His eyes darted towards me, as he and Miss Gerraty shook hands. 'It appears Francesca has a special gift, I want her to use it, just the once …'
'…You dirty old man – Miss Gerraty – call the police now!' Chelsi actually barred her teeth at the professor, pulling me closer to her side.
'Please Chelsi!' Miss Gerraty and I spoke as one.
'My dear, you completely misunderstand me, while your concern for your friend does you credit, I can assure you that Francesca can help me fulfil a lifelong ambition – she has the ability to call for a griffin. She is in fact, a "Griffin Cryer".'
Chelsi's lip curled, and she regarded Chown as another person would regard a particularly loathsome insect. 'What on earth is a griffin anyway?'
I responded automatically: 'They're supposed to be a mythical beast – but they're not mythical – they look like dragons, only they're a lot easier to train, and they don't breath fire.'
The hungry look returned to Professor Chown's face, and I could have bitten my tongue out. Everyone stared at me, and I hung my head quickly, to hide my flaming cheeks.
End of excerpt, thank you for reading and hope you enjoyed this "Look"!
I'm passing the baton onto fellow indie author Stephen Spencer, catch up with him over at his site: Stephen C. Spencer, or find Stephen on twitter @StephenCSpencer - over to you Stephen!