Happy Valley 3/8

“Probably a goblin, or maybe mum’s coming back to find out where we’ve got to.”

They were both wrong. The footsteps turned out to belong to Eve, their new next door neighbour.

Jennifer Jane quickly patted the stone and did two thumb twiddles to make the stone a little bit heavier.

Dave staggered a bit as he felt the weight increase and then carried on, with his daughter now helping him support the stone from behind.

“Hello,” said Eve, “I see you’ve managed to pick up your stone alright!”

Dave lowered the stone carefully to the ground and then straightened up, stretching his back as if carrying it had really been hard work.

“We’re managing,” he said, “Jennifer Jane’s been a great help; I don’t think I could have done it without her.”

Jennifer Jane smiled to herself, what dad said was quite true, although not in the way Eve thought.

The grown ups chatted for a moment and then Dave said that they should be getting on, as Mary had gone ahead to make them a cup of tea.

Eve wished them both luck getting the stone back home and then left them to carry on. The rest of the trip home was uneventful. It didn’t take Dave too long to remount the stone in its stand, then he very proudly twiddled his thumb to make it regain its proper weight. Mary came out with the tea.

“When you’ve fully recovered from your exertions,” she grinned, I’d be grateful if you’d sharpen my kitchen knives properly for me!”