Page 78 of A Merry Little Christmas
He went back to staring through the window. Then he said, ‘When I was shut in the dark, I remembered that thing you said about darkness and light.’
‘Did you?You are your own darkness and your own light.’
Will nodded and completed it: ‘You have to pick which one you give power to.’
‘Did it help?’ I asked softly.
‘I think so. I just kept thinking that the darkness of that cupboard under the stairs was all a long time ago, in the past, and it couldn’t hurt me anymore. I made myself think about the light instead, and seeing Mum and Uncle Caleb again.’ He shrugged. ‘And then you both came and rescued me.’
‘We’re just so relieved you’re safe and sound,’ said Caleb, turning round. ‘Your mum is going to be absolutely buzzing to see you. And I think you might be getting the best Christmas presents ever this year!’
Will gave an appreciative grunt and went back to staring out of the window.
But I knew just from his body language – chin raised and the trace of a smile on his lips – that for now, at least, the light was winning . . .
*****
Penny was waiting at the front door.
As soon as Caleb parked and Will got out, she hurried down the garden path and met him at the gate. He fell against her and she wrapped her arms around him, sobbing and stroking his hair. For once, Will didn’t resist, and they hugged each other tightly right there in the street for a long time.
Feeling deeply affected myself, I glanced at Caleb. A muscle was working in his jaw and there was a suspicious sheen to his eyes as he watched the relieved and joyful reunion of his sister and her precious boy.
Will was exhausted but hungry. He decided he wanted a shower, so Caleb shepherded him up to the bathroom whilePenny and I went into the kitchen and made him his favourite toasted cheese and a mug of hot chocolate.
‘Tonight is for sleep and recovery,’ said Penny firmly, her hands still trembling slightly from her ordeal as she cut slices of cheddar. ‘No questions about what happened. We can talk about all that when Will is ready.’
I nodded. ‘Absolutely. He must be shattered. I reckon he’ll be out like a light.’
She put down the knife and took my hands in hers, and there were tears in her eyes. ‘Thank you so much, Katja, for helping bring my Will back to me. I’ll never forget it.’
Tears sprang to my own eyes then. ‘I’m just so glad he’s safe.’ And we hugged, both of us breaking down with relief and happiness.
*****
Later, I lingered in the doorway of Will’s room as Penny fussed over him, tucking him in, and Caleb said goodnight.
‘Are you and Katja coming to the school Christmas show?’ I heard Will ask his uncle.
Caleb chuckled. ‘We’ll be there.’
‘Love, I don’t think you’ll be up to anything like that,’ said Penny anxiously. ‘You need complete rest after what you’ve been through, for at least a couple of days.’
‘But the show’s on Thursday and I’ve got rehearsals before then,’ protested Will.
‘It’s you I’m concerned about. Never mind the show. I’m sure Mrs Hunter will be able to find someone else to play Shrek.’
‘I’m doing it, Mum. I’m not letting Mrs Hunter down,’ Will said firmly.
Penny sighed and looked at Caleb.
He chuckled. ‘I think he’s made his mind up.’
‘I have,’ Will murmured sleepily. ‘I would just be bored at home, Mum. And I want to see my friends.’
‘Well, we’ll see.’ Smiling fondly, Penny bent to kiss him.
She and Caleb stepped out of the room, joining me at the door, and when Penny looked back, Will was already asleep and snoring gently . . .
