Henry

is a young boy living in the County of Colchester, Nova Scotia. No friends from school come around, since Henry and his parents live off-grid, without electric power. He is a friendly sort and a shame school chums really don’t have a chance to know him.

Henry is smart too ‘cause his tree house is very well made. Dad taught him before he began working in Alberta. Not much time to spend together when he was away five weeks in a row.

It’s a full moon tonight, as Henry sits bedside, watching through the window. It seems to be wiggling a path through the clouds. Suddenly, a ray of moonlight shone like a flashlight from sky to pond and splashed onto the shore.

What a beautiful sight he had from their little house, surrounded by forest. He wanted to try something before dad had solar power installed. Henry must hurry before the moon’s glow disappeared into the overcast sky.  

No time for shoes as the boy barefooted onto the night-floor. Brr. He threw some clothes into his school back-pack and grabbed a sheaf of papers and a pen.

Down the steps - ouch - a pebble on the stairs. Mom’s asleep - dad’s away. Tripped over my cat - her name is “Sneaky.”

By now readers may be asking, why bare feet? No time to find shoes in the dark. But then, it was natural – Henry walked bare foot all day at home, inside and out. After all, it’s summertime.

All this time the moon remained with its glowing face. Thankfully night is not done yet.

I have to slam the back door. If I don’t shut it tightly, critters will rush in “cause it’s cold in the country at night.

I head towards moon-glow. Eyes are following. It must be Sneaky. Willow boughs stretch in all directions on this path to the lake. Forgot my flashlight, but know the way well. Soon Henry arrives at the large pond, and a startled deer escapes into the night.

It was good to sit on the family picnic table. And Henry placed himself directly in the flow of moon-light where night changed into day. The wind brushed him with a cool flow. Now he could smell the scent of moisture, and lily pads.

Just then a loon called out with one of its rich melodies.

Peace settled upon him. He thinks of mom unknowing of her eleven year old son feeling so loved. Also knowing dad will be home this weekend. Neat. The boy is sure dad will be proud of his decision to come here. Decisions are part of growing-up, dad said a while back.

Henry enjoyed writing stories and this was the perfect setting to complete another. Looking around once more he breathed in nature’s natural nectar. Then he placed pen to paper and began to write - about a young boy on a dark evening surrounded by moon-glow.