I Wondered if I'd Meet You One Day

The woman came running into the shop, a wild look in her eyes. "There's a baby!" she said.

Everyone looked at her, polite and confused, while their brains caught up with this odd turn of events.

"In the phone box," she said, "Right out there! Abandoned!"

Some trooped out to have a look, to be able to say later, I was there, you know.

Phone calls were made. While we waited for the proper authorities, one woman did what was obviously needed. She lifted the little one, and cradled her to her breast. Her son waited in his pram, watching the scene unfold with round, dark eyes.

"There, my little nugget," she said. "There." The men looked away, apparently terrified they might get a glimpse of a nipple. Some said after that lady saved the baby, sure as mustard. Maybe she did, too.

It was all over the news for days. Details about the little girl, the first name the nurses chose for her. How old they thought she was. (The cord was still on her belly button, so they reckned under a week.) Pictures of the little shop, interviews with the staff, you know. Appeals for the mother to come forward.

Nobody did. People tutted, judged. Poor wee thing, they said. And, What kind of mother, they said that as well. Some of the women (their own young ones bouncing on their hip, or else long since grown lanky and off on their own) puffed up with an odd sort of pride that they could never.

But you know, this particular shop gets a lot of footfall. Right on the corner of two busy roads. That little phone box just opposite, people are bustling in and out of it and past it all day long. That mother, she chose well. The little bean could hardly have waited there any time at all to be found.

I look hard into the woman's eyes, dark and lost.

"She loved that little one, as sure as sure," I continue. Not the kind of love most of us hope for, but love all the same."

She wipes her eyes, and thanks me. The bell jangles sadly as she leaves.

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Word count excluding note: 366

Submitted on Sunday 23rd June at 23.31

*Quick Author's Note*

First, and most importantly: thank you so much for reading my story! The ha'penny that Vocal will toss in my hat for your eyeballs landing on this humble piece will be well-spent.

If you enjoyed this one, the very best compliment you can give me is to share it, or read another!

A Year of Stories: I'm writing a story every day this year. This one continues my 175 day streak since 1st January.

Please do consider lending your support to the other creators who are also on this madcap "a story every day" adventure. They are putting out excellent content every day!

Rachel Deeming

Gerard DiLeo

Please do leave me a comment: I reciprocate as many as I can. Leaving a comment makes that easier.

Thank you!

Thank you again, most sincerely. Especially if you are one of the wonderful people who has been staunchly reading these daily scribbles since the start of the year. I see you, and appreciate you very much indeed! 😁

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