Thump, thump, drag.
Thump, thump, drag.
The odd pattern continued.
Thump, thump, drag.
Thump, thump, drag.
Behind the giant arm chair Charity trembled.
Thump, thump, drag.
Thump, thump, drag. Thump.
It stopped. Squishing herself flat against the floor the 5-year old girl peered our from under the safety of the intimidating claw legs.
FEET!
Charity scurried backward on her stomach. There were standing right in from of her, with two metal poles reaching upward like prison bars blocking her escape.
Clip, clip, clip, clip, clip, clip.
Her mother walked briskly into the room. Silk dress swishing to an abrupt halt as her red heels came to a stop beside the menacing poles. Voices murmured above the chair, dampened by the generous cushions and thick carpet. Suddenly the ceiling of her hiding place sank. Someone was sitting in the chair!
Charity let out one brief squeak before covering her mouth with both hands. Pushing her chin against the floor to put as much space between her and the sitter as possible. The chair groaned as it's new occupant wiggled around to find a comfortable position.
"Charity," her mother said. The red heels shifted and the silk skirts collapsed as her mother bent down to look under the chair. "Come out and meet our visitor," she said, holding out a hand.
Charity wiggled backward like a worm retreating before standing up in the small space between the chair and the wall. Her mother lifted her out gracefully, making sure Charity's now dusty shoes did not scrape the tall chair back. She was placed on her feet in front of the mysterious visitor and firm hands turned her around to face the chair properly.
"Charity," her mother said. "Say hello to your Grandfather."
