bodkin
Elite Member
Old Tom
The light was failing and the air was colder today. Breath hung in plumes for much longer before slowly being carried down the hillside. A chilling mist envelops the valley, a grey blanket shrouding all but the tallest pines who's branches shimmer in the full moon's gaze. A faint, waxy glow of oil lamps in village windows below him coloured the gloom. That well walked path now barely noticeable, lost under recent snowfall. Tom turned to see his cabin's chimney top silhouetted against a snowy landscape and wispy smoke on an idle climb. " Just another few minutes" he thought having just struggled up the steepest section and recovered his breathing. He had spotted the perfect little tree whilst collecting firewood amongst the pines that Autumn and decided that it would be the one to stand in the corner this year. A harsh, early Winter with heavy snowfall smothering everything had kept Tom prisoner over the last six weeks or so. Grabbing the stiffened rope that is lashed to the trunk and leaning into the hill, onward he trudged pulling this very fine tree ever closer to home. "We Always have a tree at Christmas" he muttered to himself.
The well worn latch lifted with ease but the door creaked open with reluctance on dry hinges. There was never any need for locks here. Occasional passing hikers in the Summer perhaps, asking for some water or directions, but never at this time of year. He is consoled by the thought that memories can not be stolen. Warmth met his weathered face and embers danced in the hearth as swirls of dusty white snow played around his feet.The door closed snugly and silence again returned, holding back the wind and cold. After kicking off his boots he placed some wood on the embers and a flame brought flickering light to darkness. Placing a pot of stew on the fire to warm, Tom went in search of some candles.
Eliza was taken without warning ten years ago in the Spring. Moths have since feasted and now all that remains is a photograph on a dusty sideboard and a faded embroidery of the cabin hanging on the wall above it. It has been along time since laughter and happiness filled Tom's heart, a long time for old age and memories to be his only company. On the dining table a clock ticks. A long time since a meal was enjoyed with friends but now ghosts sit in empty chairs.
The stew had warmed Tom up. He place more logs on the fire and settled in his rocking chair, with a whiskey in hand. "A busy day tomorrow" he thought, looking over to where the tree will stand. His eyelids became heavy and he soon drifted into a deep sleep. Abruptly he awoke. The wood popped and spat in the hearth sending a display of red and orange sparks spiralling up. There was still half of the candle remaining, it's flame still and bright. He had been asleep for about two hours. "Just the fire" he reassured himself, his eyes closed once more. Knock, knock, knock. Tom jumped, startled at this unexpected sound. Knock, knock, knock. It took a moment to realise that someone was at the door..... "Was it someone lost? Someone hurt?" He lifted the latch and pulled on the door. A halo of bright yellow oil lamps greeted his blurred and adjusting eyes as the chill from outside crept over him. "Hello Tom, how are you?" It was a voice he knew, it was the voice of Agnes who ran the village shop. "Hello" he replied, " I'm fine, what has happened..... Come in..." Tom stepped back and opened the door fully. "Well, there is a few of us.... Thank you" said Agnes as she entered the cabin, followed by many familiar faces from the village below. "We know the bad weather may be preventing you getting to the village, and no one has seen you for many weeks, so we have brought you some warm clothes and plenty of food to see you through." The villager's oil lamps were placed in Tom's window, bringing the pale yellow light to the hillside. The tree was brought in and placed in the corner of the cabin were it has always stood, then decorated. The fire roared with life, warmth and happiness filled Old Tom's heart. Parcels and packages covered the bare dining table and laughter filled the cabin from once empty chairs. A long time since Tom had felt like this. Tears rolled down his cheeks with such joy. A long time since he had seen friends and laughed so loudly. Tom thought to himself "This is the best Christmas I have had for a long time".
