Author's note: Just thought I'd submit this lil chapter to put your minds at rest. There is still more to come, don't worry, this isn't the last of our Rose. But please let me know what you think because all your comments let me know what direction I'm heading in... I hope its the right direction.
Enjoy,
DC
Crisp grey ashes fell softly to the ground as they were released by the bitter breeze that stunk of stale smoke. The fires had been replaced by scorched patches of earth and bits of debris which stood where caravans had once sat firmly and proudly. Sluggish clouds trooped across the evening sunlight, hiding it from the Cirque. Mr Tall watched them thoughtfully. Perhaps they were trying to shield the blackened and broken camp from the sun's rays as though the clouds were attempting to protect the Cirque from any more damage. Whatever the reason for the dark clouds presence, Mr Tall was appreciative. Sunlight would have been inappropriate under the circumstances. The rest of the Cirque du Freak was in morning for a fallen member of their extended family. Last night had seen the death of one of their residents and the injuries of several more.
With a deep and loud sigh, Mr Tall stood and stretched his long legs. He rarely had time to himself and although the circumstances concerning how he had acquired it were sad, he wanted to make the most of it. The river was not too far away so he decided to take a stroll toward it. Well, river was a bit of an exaggeration; stream would be more fitting, or creek. Anyway, whatever it was had water trickling through it at a lazy pace, rolling over stones and pebbles or splitting around them and joining up later. The hushed sound of the idle water soothed Mr Tall's thoughts and replaced them with memories of himself as a child wading gently between the soft lapping waves of the stream. It was a tranquil place, ideal for reflection and peace of mind.
A nervous expression watched him warily. She was reluctant to interrupt but the girl felt she had to enlighten the man to her whereabout or else if he caught her, he would assume she was spying. That was the last thing she wanted. Stealing closer to him, the intruder took care to avoid making any noise. She was still unsure whether she should alert him. After all, Mr Tall looked so rested and calm and her presence would disrupt that. The Cirque's ringmaster had been so kind to her, taking her in when she had nowhere else to go. The Cirque was more than her home now, it was her family and she appreciated the man who had introduced it to her and offered her a place.
Finally, she decided not to stir the sleeping giant. He deserved his brief nap out here in the fresh air away from the sad atmosphere back in the Cirque. As quietly as she had arrived, Rebecca left the calm woodland and gingerly made her way back to the camp. Darren would be waiting for her.
A moment later, Mr Tall opened one eye and made sure the trespasser had gone. He sighed deeply and shuffled into a more comfortable position to snooze. The ever considerate Rebecca would make sure he was not interrupted for at least another hour.