The Parker Saga
As with my other stories/threads, there is no legacy or challenge in this story. There's more of a 'plot' to this one than my other ones. Joshua Parker had... rather an odd childhood, he'd say. No...
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The following day was Winterfest. Emily invited over her father, James. He was enthusiastically welcomed by Clara, who was happy to meet anyone new, and Hazel, who was of course particularly interested in family members.
"Hello!" James said. "Now then, which one are you?"
"My name's Clara," Clara grinned.
"Ah, right," James nodded. "You look very like your mother."
https://imgur.com/7TIIU4f.jpg
Joshua was in the study, playing chess with Katie, who had inherited her father's cleverness.
"It would help if you were looking at the board, you know," Joshua joked.
"Yeah yeah," Katie replied. "I was just thinking about what presents I might get."
https://imgur.com/H1viMaQ.jpg
It seemed like Clara's outgoing nature extended to non-humans...
"Ohhh! A bunny rabbit!" she exclaimed. "Let me pet you!"
The rabbit happily flopped onto its back for a few moments, enjoying the petting session.
"Hmm... I think I'll give you a treat," Clara said, mindful of the gift-giving season. "I know, I bet you like carrots."
https://imgur.com/1L8WWj1.jpg
Emily cooked the traditional Winterfest turkey.
"This is great, Mum!" Clara enthused.
"Thank you, darling," Emily responded.
"Uh... Mum? Are you OK? You seem to have developed a rash!" Hazel exclaimed.
"Oh, it's probably not serious," Emily said reassuringly. "People do tend to get ill during the winter. I'll get some medicine and then I'll be much better."
"Oh, OK," said Hazel, feeling relieved.
https://imgur.com/tOSzgLN.jpg
As a lover of the outdoors, Lydia enjoyed spending time outside, whatever the weather. Emily had planted a large garden, although it naturally wasn't growing much. Although fully aware that she might come across as weird, Lydia decided to chat with the plants. She didn't even mind that she got no response; sometimes it was best to share your innermost thoughts and feelings with something that would just listen.
https://imgur.com/TEb41Ww.jpg
Like every child, Katie was eager to open her presents. However...
"A carrot???" she moaned. "Who mistook me for a rabbit?"
It wasn't even that she disliked carrots. It was just a rather lame gift when you'd been expecting a fun new toy you could play with. An edible gift would be much nicer if it was chocolate or sweets, too.
https://imgur.com/XrdRqqx.jpg
The next day was school as usual. Clara, of course, was eager to make new friends.
https://imgur.com/zxJ3Qoq.jpg
Later that day, Joshua took the girls to the park. The weather in Oasis Springs was a real contrast to Henford-on-Bagley; although he liked warm weather, Joshua always associated winter with snow rather than sun. After all, Winterfest cards always depicted snowy scenes.
His mind drifted towards his therapy appointment. He was a little nervous; he'd never fully explained to anyone about his childhood. Emily knew bits of it, but he hadn't wanted to worry her with the whole story.
https://imgur.com/eKIppZC.jpg
