by C. L. Black
“French lessons?” I’m in fricken Les Heaven.
“Oui.” KK and the girls were off to the bubbles and jets.
Janie had returned. She spoke in broken German. “Mama, I’m very tired.”
“Yes, dear, let Mama get you to bed before Papa returns.”
Your Natasha Is
The North Tower Keep, 18:15 local
Miss Christi worked to undress Jane’s tattered body. She helped her little kitten go potty then got her zipped into a blue satin night dress. “Your Natasha is a beautiful princess, dear.” She handed Jane the old broken Bild Lilli doll.
“Yes, Mama. The most beautiful.”
“Shall we get Papa’s bravest little GoodKnight into bed?”
“Yes, Mama. I’m very tired. Has Papa returned from England yet?”
“Yes, dear, Papa is back. She brought your doll back. Now drink your milk, dear.”
“Do I have to? I want Papa to sing me to sleep.”
“Yes dear, rules are rules.”
Jane stared into the glass. “It’s forever this time?”
“Yes dear, Forever Sleep. You and your little princess must go to sleep now. Drink your milk dear.”
“We didn’t mean to break Sir Goody too.” She looked at her fantasy princess, then drank.
“I know that, dear. The whole glass. That’s Papa’s good girl.”
“Why you so sad, Mama? Papa’s back. See?” She pulled her old doll tight and smiled.
Miss Christi kissed both broken dolls goodnight. Stepping back, she found a tissue in her pocket to wipe her tears. She reached for the light switch, closed her eyes and said, “Happy dreams, my bravest GoodKnight.”
“Oh, Mum, please don’t. I want to see Papa’s return.”
“You will my dear, very soon.” Miss Christi left the light burning and pulled the door. A moment later, she heard Jane singing.
“Hush, little baby, don’t say a word. Papa’s gonna buy, you—”
Miss Christi noted the time: Six-thirty, then went below to check on the new baby.
