Labyrinth belongs Jim Henson. The unfamiliar characters belong to me.
The torn, white blanket absorbed her teardrops as she softly wept into the bundle. "I wish…" the young woman whispered with an English accent, "the goblins would take you away." The shaky windows suddenly blew open and a barn owl flew into her apartment, making her turn away with her bundle held close. Once the wind calmed, she slowly turned and gasped at the sight of a creature about four feet tall with a main of brown hair and glowing, yellow eyes with a snout that was dog-like. His clothing was black armor with a cape draped behind. "The Goblin King," she whispered.
"You want this child from your hands?" he coldly growled without blinking.
Tears escaped. "I have no choice… I… I…" She roughly wiped her tears away and held out her baby with both hands. "Please. Please take care of him. I don't know what your world is like, but please care for him. I can no longer support him. I…" Her body felt weak and her baby felt heavier than he did a moment ago.
The King carefully took the infant, slowly removed the blanket from the child's face to look down at him.
The mother looked away from her sleeping baby.
"I will care for him," he gently said, earning her attention. "I promise this." He eyes were protective and solemn. A sight only a mother would hope to see on her child's guardian's face.
She covered her mouth with a trembling hand, nodding in relief.
The Goblin King turned away and disappeared as if he never was there.
The young mother fell to her knees and wept.