The Multi-Coloured Ball.

"There you are Mr Fisher, the bench is just behind you". Bill Fisher sat down obediently. Myra, his minder, handed him his white stick.
"I'm just off to the shops. I won't be long. You won't run away will you?"

The latter comment was a joke between them but Bill felt it wearing a bit thin. Myra meant well. She was one of those jolly people who could see the positive side in everything, whereas more and more he was becoming the opposite. Myra was good at her job, an attractive dark haired woman in her forties, with hazel eyes and a ready smile. She had been chosen by Bill's son Michael to look after his dad. Bill was elderly, had nearly lost his sight and arthritis was making him slow and stiff. All these problems meant that the days of looking after himself were more or less over. Michael, who worked in Brussels, knew his dad wanted to stay in his flat for as long as possible and Myra enabled him to do just that, at least for the time being. Myra saw to everything and part of her care was to take him for a short walk every afternoon when it was fine, then leave him for a while on a bench in the park. A great believer in fresh air, she felt that it did him good to get out rather than mope at home. Bill wasn't so sure but it became a good idea for him when he realized that he could mope just as well on a bench in the park.

It was a lovely, mild day and Bill could feel the warmth of the sun on his face. His mind started to drift off down the comforting and well worn paths of his many memories. A bump against his leg brought him back to the present. He looked down and could just about make out a large ball. It was brightly coloured, striped in red and pink, blue green and yellow. The sort of ball one associated with sandy beaches and summer holidays. He heard someone running and a breathless child's voice said "Oh dear, I'm so sorry, I hope it didn't hurt you!"
Bill made out a little girl with a bright dress who bent over him.
"I was playing over there. I dropped the ball and it came rolling towards you".
Bill smiled at her concern. "No it didn't hurt me at all" he replied "I am glad that my foot stopped it as I think I can hear a road not far away".
He heard her sigh "I should be more careful, my mum's always telling me that, but when I play I get carried away".
Bill remembered getting carried away in much the same fashion.
"What's your name?" she asked, as she picked up her ball.
"Bill, what's yours?"
"Laura".
"Shouldn't you be at school?"
"It's half-term. I play here with my friends when we are not in school. You can't see much, can you? Would you like me to describe the park for you?"
Bill, somewhat taken aback by the switch in the conversation, hurriedly caught up.
"I'd like that very much. I can see a little but I'd like to be able to picture where I am".
"Right". She stood beside him. It's a big place. There are lots of trees, grassy areas with picnic tables and benches. People use them for birthday parties too and tie brightly coloured balloons to the trees and the park railings. I had my birthday party here last year and it was magic. There is a big play area with swings and slides and climbing frames. The kids who live around here come often as there is always someone to play with. Not only that but you can play ball or ride a kid's bike too". She paused to draw breath.
Bill listened carefully a slow smile spreading over his face as the pictures formed in his mind.
Laura continued, "There's a big lake in the middle of the park with lots of ducks. I love it when the ducklings arrive as they always make me laugh. I live just over there," she pointed, "where do you live?"
"It can't be far" he replied "as we don't walk for long. I come with a lady who looks after me. Thank you, thank you very much indeed for your description. I can now picture where I am!"
A thought came to him, "Where's your mother?"
"Over there with my baby brother. He's still in a pram. She sits with my friend's mum by the play area so they can keep an eye on us. I'd better go as she's calling me. It must be tea time. Will you be back tomorrow? I'll look out for you if you are. Bye!"

Bouncing her ball, she skipped back to her mother. I hope he comes back she thought, that poor old man. He seems so sad and he can't see very well and that must be awful. He seemed to like me describing the park to him. If he comes back I could describe the other things to him.

"Who were you talking to?" asked her mother, rocking the pram where the baby was protesting loudly.
"His name's Bill. He's very old and he's blind. He has a minder to look after him but she was shopping".
"Be careful and don't go bothering people".
Laura smiled. She just knew that she wouldn't be bothering Bill at all.

Myra arrived a few minutes later.
"I'm sorry I've been so long Mr Fisher. There was only one till working in the supermarket and there was such a long queue. Have you been alright?"
"I've been fine" he answered "I met a young lady and we have a rendez-vous for tomorrow. Her name is Laura".
Puzzled, Myra looked at him. Mr Fisher was usually dozing on the bench when she came back for him. Today he was wide awake and had a happy air about him that she'd never seen before. She was used to him being rather morose and taciturn.
"Who is she?"
"A fairy, maybe an angel, possibly an extra-terrestrial. I'm not sure. Can we stop off at the baker's on our way home. I'd love a cake for tea?"
He took Myra's arm and set off with a spring in his step. He had tomorrow to look forward to!!