-22-

The Covenant of protection

I was outside with Stanley's Uncle and he asked me how my mother and father managed to keep their cool over

Agatha's treatment of Stanley and myself. "They know me and my strength of character" I replied.

"There is something I need to ask you. I am part of a pagan society and the elders of the society have consented

to a covenant of protection for Stanley. Also Stanley has put in a request to have his powers bound until he is

eighteen. I am his cousin but since you were his legal guardian for three years, what

are your thoughts on this?"

"Joe?" He answered in an honest way. "I would prefer him to have a normal childhood, not because of his

telekinesis. But because other children can be cruel and generally people still don't understand special

children."

I hugged him tightly after that because his reasons were good enough for me to understand.

"You have a noble heart. And don't keep blaming yourself for what Stanley went through. I can feel it. And you

know that he doesn't blame you. Joe, it took great courage to leave that monstrous woman."

He started crying then and to feel his pain was the most emotional experience I ever had.

"Uncle, what's wrong?" Stanley said as he came out "It's nothing" Joe replied as he threw his arms around us.

"Let's just get some soup and bread." We all went in then and sat down to to a hearty bowl of vegetable soup.

After Joe and Katherine washed up. They drove us to Keighley train station. Joe promised to visit us for a few

days with Katherine. As he threw his arms around Stanley, they both burst into tears. "I promise you Stanley, I

will never lose you again and I will see you in a few days, alright" They waved to us as the train moved away

from the platform. Joe and I had already exchanged numbers and addresses.

"Cliff, I love you" I said tearfully. He kissed my tears away and put his arms around us both. "I can always feel

you love me. There is no need to tell me."

Love surrounded us like a warm blanket. Our families were one big family and our happy life was in sight

As Stanley drifted off he smiled.