The Game

Mum pointed at the grass, still lush-green despite the summer.

“Tread softly,” she said. “The dead soldiers lie just under the surface.”

She loved highlighting hidden dangers.

Everything came with a warning, another test for Charlie. Easy on your feet. Mind your position.

“Trust your instincts,” said Dad. “We’re with you.”

Mum and Dad. Here to help.

The wind hushed in Charlie’s ear. Faint voices, still breath in them after so many years.

“Go on.”

Charlie dropped the ball and raised himself onto his toes. He breezed across the grass, gaining speed, flanked by his two defenders.