A Glass Winter 9

Divorce. Divorce. Mathew took gulps of crisp fresh air, gazing out at the landscape. Past the patio was their neat but suitably wild garden, trees with tangled branches hanging down to form a most pleasing canopy. Beyond that the rolling country, a still green sea. The sun was setting on the scene, seemingly within reach; it sent its rich golden rays over everything so that every inch in shadow felt keenly its diminished beauty. The weight lifting from his shoulders seemed to inspire a scream of applause from nature itself. Never had this patio, this garden, these hills, moved him so deeply.

“Daddy Matty” came a wispy voice behind him, so light it could have been singing. Amma was, with great difficulty, manoeuvring her short legs over the step that lead out to that scene of patio, garden and hill. As if beauty was attracting beauty. He deftly picked her up, swinging her above his head until she alighted on his shoulders.

“Sunshine, daddy” She said, matter of fact.

On rare occasions, perhaps once or twice in a lifetime, come moments of complete clarity. The entirety of life laid bare and beaming and simple. Such was the feeling as Mathew, his face warmed by the sun, stood quietly in their quiet life. Daughter, father, waiting for Theo to come home and complete their unassuming team. As if sharing some great secret, they stumbled through life in their own contented way. Perhaps some say, out of bad nothing good can be born. Others still say a child needs a mother and a father. In truth, all Amma needed was to be loved and to be safe, kindness can come from anywhere.

Suddenly the neighbours turned on their obnoxiously large television, a topic of much conversation amongst the residents. Its icy blue glow and blaring speakers broke the magic of the scene, the last golden rays splintering defiantly from behind the dark hills.

Breaking News

Prominent downtown socialites Theo and Vanessa Winter embroiled in a disturbing scandal.

Estranged husband Theo was arrested earlier today on charges of double murder, early indications suggest the couple conspired to murder lawyer Arnold Morris at a city hotel. He is also charged with the murder of his wife Vanessa which occurred at their home later that very same day.

There is talk of a further body found in the hotel, another horrific crime for which the Winters are prime suspects.

More from the scene…