l| a time to be silent and a time to speak |l

Chosen

It is dawn. The rising sun’s ray pierces through the curtains and warms her small round face. She opens her eyes, and smiles. ‘Good morning, Taz,’ she greeted her old-time furry friend, snuggling her face up its patched cheek. Unlike the rest of its brown body, Taz’s cheek has a small piece of pink cloth carefully sewed to stop the cotton from peeking out. Feeling the rough edges of the pink square, Sue remembers the day they met. She was walking by the back lane one day when she saw Taz on the ground. Recognising the familiar look in those round, brown eyes, she picked it up and promised to be its friend. It has been a faithful friend since that day.

Rubbing her eyes, she stares up at the ceiling, wondering how the day will turn out. It's one of the few days when all the children will put on their Sunday’s best and line up with a bosom of hope. It's also one of those days when she would most likely go back to bed at night, hugging Taz more tightly as usual. Taking in a deep breath of the cool morning air, she gives Taz one last hug and rolls out of bed to get ready for the visit.

* * *