The Greatest Snowman
Emily could never have guessed that all it would take was a snowstorm and a bedraggled, wet husband…
I’ve made a list,” Mrs Collins said, handing over a scrap of paper. “It’s very kind of Jack to get my shopping.”
“It’s no trouble,” Emily replied. “He’s going to the supermarket anyway. The pavements are treacherous. It wouldn’t be safe to go yourself.”
“I’ve made some gingerbread men for the boys as a thank you,” said Mrs Collins. “I’ll go and put them in a box.”
While Mrs Collins was in the kitchen Emily drifted towards the window. Her neighbour had a great view of the houses across the street. Emily watched the activity going on in the gardens opposite.
The Parker children were constructing an igloo, and the Fleming twins were having a snowball fight with their dad and older sister. Emily could hear their shrieks even from here.
Emily’s garden was deserted.
Jack and the boys had abandoned the snowman and gone inside.
Emily felt her friend’s hand rest gently on her arm.
“Give them time, dear,” she said. “They’ll be fine once they settle in.”
Emily smiled gratefully. “I know. They’ve only been with us a few weeks. But if the fostering goes well there’s more chance the full adoption will go ahead.”
Everything was quiet when Emily entered the house. Jason and Ben were colouring at the kitchen table. Jack was pulling on his wellingtons, getting ready for his trek to the shops.
“We gave up on the snowman,” Jack said. “The boys weren’t really into it.”
He followed Emily into the sitting-room, out of earshot.
“It’s like they didn’t know how to play,” he said.
“They just stood there bemused while I tried to rustle up enthusiasm. Poor guys were frozen, so I decided to call it a day.”
Emily nodded. “Social Services warned us it could be like this. They’ve never had much fun in their lives. Their instincts are to keep their heads down and not draw attention to themselves.”
“I know,” Jack sighed. “I just wish they knew they were safe now.”
“They will,” said Emily. “In time.”
They returned to the kitchen, wearing their bright and happy faces.
“I thought we could watch a film this afternoon,” said Emily. “The Greatest Showman. It’s about a circus. Would you like that, boys?”
“Yes,” said Ben and Jason in unison.
“Great,” said Jack. “Right, I’m off. By the look of the sky, I think we might be in for another snowfall. If I don’t make it back for tea, send the huskies out for me.”
Emily laughed but there was no response from the boys, who kept their heads bent over their pictures.
Emily began preparing the evening meal. Anyone looking in would see a cosy, domestic scene. No one would ever guess the agony Emily felt trying to make two neglected little boys feel at home.
They weren’t difficult children. The opposite, in fact. They ate whatever Emily made, even though she’d asked if there was something they didn’t like. They went to bed without protesting and got up when called. They were always polite.
“Jack was right,” Emily said, looking through the window and breaking the silence in the room. “It’s snowing again. Really heavy, too.”
The boys looked up, nodded and continued colouring.
An hour later the kitchen door burst open. A figure appeared, covered in clumps of snow from head to toe.
“Jack! What happened?”
“I slipped,” Jack said, “On Mrs Collins’ treacherous path!”
“You’d better…”
Emily stopped speaking as an unfamiliar sound resonated through the kitchen. It was the sound of laughter. Children’s laughter.
Ben and Jason were practically bent double, howling with delight.
“You look like a snowman,” cried Ben.
“Hang on, boys,” said Emily, seizing the moment. “Every proper snowman needs one of these.”
She grabbed a carrot from the table and held it up to Jack’s nose.
“It’s not The Greatest Showman,” Emily laughed. “It’s the Greatest Snowman.”
That set the boys off again.
“Think that’s funny, do you?” Jack flapped his soggy glove, spraying them all with icy water.
The boys squealed and ran for cover – but they were soon back for more.
Jack slowly collapsed to the floor.
“Help!” he whispered. “It’s too hot. I… think… I’m… melting!”
“Quick, boys,” cried Emily. “Let’s get him into the bathroom before he melts all over my clean floor.”
Emily pulled Jack to his feet, and with the boys pushing from behind, they steered him towards the stairs. Emily left them to it and went back to the kitchen.
She smiled when she heard Jack protesting, “This is snow joke!” and then the boys giggling.
She stared at the muddy puddle Jack had left on the kitchen floor and fetched the mop.
A sign of things to come, she surmised. She certainly hoped so.
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