Candy Canes
Alyss's parents died in the battle of Hackham heath, against Moragarath. She never knew them. She has no memories of them. But she has lots of memories of other things.
Like when she was five.
"Here Alyss," The matron of the Ward, Suzie said. She handed the small girl a candy cane.
"What is it?" Alyss asked. She took the lolly and stared at it.
"It's called a candy cane," Suzie said. "Everyone gets one. It's a lolly."
"I like lollies," Alyss said happily. She took a tentative lick. "It's good!"
"Haha, I'm glad," Suzie ruffled her hair. "Let's give one to the others."
Will, her friend and wardmate, was jumping on the sofa. Her other friend Jenny was with him and, sitting on the floor watching, was the new ward, Horace Altman.
"Candy canes for everyone," Suzie said.
"They're good," Alyss gave hers another lick.
Will accepted his, studying it intently. Jenny sucked on hers.
"Flavoursome," she said. It was her latest word.
Horace stuffed his in his mouth. Many years later, with the wisdom that comes with age, Alyss would think back and realise that the boy's parents had died recently and his maddening grief was what caused him to lash out.
He snatched Wills candy cane and tossed it from the window.
"Waaah, my stick!" Will cried. Tears sprung to his eyes.
"Candy cane," Suzie corrected him automatically. Then she lifted Horace into her arms. "Oh dear, what did you do that for, love?"
Alyss moved towards her distraught friend. She glanced at her candy cane, to his tear stained face. She held it out to him.
"You can have mine," she said.
Will blinked at her. He accepted the lolly. Wordlessly, he broke it in half, and handed one half back to her.
"We'll share," he said, his smile lighting up his young face. "Friends share."
"Aha, friends share!" Alyss agreed happily.
I actually hate candy canes...