Bertie and the Sad Occurrence

by Bena Glinney

A series of drabbles from Bertie's birth through about a year after his parents' death.

7. Sounds like Music

"Mother, look. Mother, look!" I said, bounding into her parlor, the frog I had just caught trying like mad to escape my grasp.

I stopped short. She was sitting, looking out the window. She had one of father's handkerchiefs in her hand.

"Mother?" I put the frog into a pocket and walked closer.

"Hmm? Oh, Bertie. What is it, darling?" she said, holding her arms out to me.

"Nothing, Mother." I said meekly. Just then the frog spoke up. Mother looked astonished for a few moments before bursting into laughter. It sounded like music.