It was a foggy afternoon in London. Many people were finishing up their dinners and children started to head to bed. On this particular day Bert was once again a chimney sweep. On the roof of the Smith's house, he had just finished cleaning the chimney. Looking around him, he reminisced about the time he was with Mary Poppins and the Banks children on their rooftop. It seemed like such a long time ago. Really, it was only a year ago. He remembered having so much fun showing the children the wonders of being a chimney sweep and dancing across the roof with Mary Poppins in his arms. Looking off into the distance, he sighed. If only he could talk to her for just a minute. He sat up and grabbed his tools, and headed on his way. He walked into the living room, slowly and carefully picking up the cloths that covered the furniture,trying not to make a mess. As he lastly took the cloth off the mantle, a framed picture appeared. He paused and glanced at was the Smith family:the mom, the dad, and their two daughters: Elizabeth and Wendy. He smiled,imagining what it would be like if he were to have a family. Just then, he heard someone clear their throat. It was Mr. Smith.
"Sorry,sir. Just lookin' at ya family picture here. Nice picture." Mr. Smith took the picture and wiped some dust off.
"Yes, my family is everything to me. Being a father is probably the best thing that has ever happened to me." He turned to Bert.
"Tell me, do you have any youngsters of your own?" Bert chuckled.
"Me? Nah, it's just me and myself. Never had the privilege. Mr. Smith took some change from his pocket and handed it to Bert,then shook his hand.
"Good luck to you,sir," Mr. Smith said.
"Same to you." Bert opened the front door ,turned to Mr. Smith and tipped his hat.
Walking down the street,the sky appeared to have become darker. The fog,on the other hand,seemed to get thicker,making it harder for him to see. Eventually, he just stopped and sat on a nearby bench in the park. Just then, he heard steps coming from behind him. He jolted off of the bench and walked around nervously, bringing one of his tools in his hand above his head.
"Okay, who's there?" There was no one behind turned back the other way and cautiously moved forward. He then accidentally stepped on a branch, making him jump.
"Now,Bert, be careful. You don't want to hurt anyone. After all, it is difficult to see in this weather." Bert concentrated on a figure standing before him. He was ecstatic.
"Mary, it's you!" He threw his tools to the ground and ran to her side.
"Of course it's me. Who else would be out in such horrible weather like this?" Bert could now get a better view of her. He viewed her from head to toe.
"You look great,Mary! Haven't changed a bit!" He went over to her and kissed her hand, looking from her hand then into her eyes. She straightened up and continued walking, Bert followed behind her,trying to catch up.
"You hear for an assignment?" She then came to an old brick house. Bert went in his pocket and dug out his house key.
"Yes, as a matter of fact,I am." He put his key on the end table and turned to Mary.
"Really, is it anyone I know?"
"Well, sort of..." she hesitated.
"Who are you looking after?" She took off her gloves and hat.
"It's not as important of who I am looking after, but rather about who you are looking after." Bert scratched the back of his neck nervously.
"Mary, I have a feeling there is something that you aren't telling me." She picked up her carpet bag as Bert lead her to the spare bedroom in his house.
"You will find out in due time," was all she said.