The Kingdom of Childhood || Allison & Vic
@silverargentvalkyrie
‘Childhood is the Kingdom Where Nobody Dies.’
It was an old poem Vic had read in their younger, somewhat more dramatic, years but it was statement that had stuck with them over time. They had seen the news, heard the reports and read the articles; a man was dead, a psychopath was on the loose and poor Allison and several other kids had born the brunt of all that trauma.
It was unjust.
And, guilty as they were to even countenance the thought, a perfect distraction from their own problems. Vic recalled when their own kingdom had crumbled, the peaceful passing of their grandmother, very old, content, and still it had been as though a dagger were thrust into their heart. They also recalled what helped them through it in the nights after and perhaps, just perhaps, the same could offer some help to the poor girl. They’d knocked on their neighbours door and received the usual frosty reception from Victoria and a subdued, albeit friendly greeting from Chris before being given permission to make their way up the stairs and knock on Allison’s bedroom door.
After a moment they pushed it open and revealed themselves with a tilted head and a tired smile. Clasped in their arms was an old, slightly worn, almost ridiculously enormous teddy bear. “Hello Allison,” they said quietly, “Might I come in?”
