Thanks to all who have read it so far – hope you're enjoying it. Here's the next installment.
Disclaimer – Characters belong to Michelle Magorian!
Chapter Two
The weeks pass slowly. For him its almost as if the world has become a little darker in not having anyone to share the house with. He hasn't heard a thing from the boy. Four weeks and not a single letter or message.
He'd not expected to hear from William straight away. He know that the boy would be doing some chores for his mother whilst she got over what ever the matter was with her. But he knew William would write back to him. Wouldn't he?
Young Zach has popped around a few times each week. Wanting, hoping to hear from him that his friend was alright. He knows that Zach and the lad have become good pals. And the Lord knows William needed one.
Since the third week passed, he's listened to the nightly news updates to hear of any bombings in London. It's almost unmissable now – like a serial when you just need to know what happens next. All the time he listens closely to the places which have been badly hit. Thankfully he's not heard Deppettforrard or wherever William's come from. God knows how he'd feel if they mentioned that the boys home town had been hit.
Four weeks have passed now without a single message or letter from William and though he doesn't want to admit it, he's starting to grow concerned. The boy promised that he would write to him soon. Update him on how things were at home. It doesn't seem right that he wouldn't send a message.
Whenever he sees the postman, he allows himself a brief lift. Perhaps today will be the day he hears something. Reality hits when he sees Matthew Parfitt shake his head sadly. "Sorry Tom" Matthew says.
"I hope the boys alright" he admits to Sammy who can always tell if something is bothering him. He always has. There's never a time without a reassuring nudge from his faithful companion.
Zach arrives around twenty minutes later. Tom's glad to see the friendly face. He's always upbeat. Always smiling. He's the one who's helped William find his confidence – his new side."
"Any news Mr Oakley?"
"Fraid not Zach" he replies, shaking his head. "You've not heard anything?"
Zach shakes his head. "I sent him another letter yesterday."
"Well" he replies, "I'm sure William will be glad to receive them. Would you like a lemonade?"
Zach nods gratefully and goes to greet Samuel. The old dog enjoys the boy's attention.
"He will be alright, wont he? Mr Oakley" he can see the concern on Zach's face.
"Of course he will" he tries to reassure. He knows he's trying to convince more than Zach. He's trying to convince himself as well. "His mother hasn't been too well. I'm sure that he'll write back when gets the chance too.
He's relieved to see Zach smile.
"And what's more, I'm sure he'll remember too everytime he gets one of your letters."
"OK" Zach smiles. "Thanks for the lemonade Mr Oakley."
"No problem, and you come round whenever you like" he says as he waves Zach off.
It's whilst he does this that he thinks of Zach's question earlier. He's unable to put it out of his mind.
"He will be alright, wont he? Mr Oakley."