The Girl on THE MOON
Looking out of the bay window, Audrey frowned… who was the woman coming up the drive? She was carrying a cardboard box and gazing around her as she neared the house, as if she wasn’t sure she was going in the right direction.
Putting some toys into a cupboard, Audrey smoothed down her hair and went to the door.
‘Can I help you?’ she called before the woman had reached the front steps.
‘Is this St Anthony’s children’s home?’ the woman replied.
‘Yes,’ Audrey smiled. ‘Are you here to visit someone?’
‘No,’ the woman said curtly, approaching the door and looking Audrey up and down. ‘I’d like to see the person in charge. I’m guessing that’s not you. You’re far too young.’
Bristling at the woman’s tone, Audrey ushered her into the dark hallway, where the smell of boiled beef and cabbage had wafted up from the kitchens.
‘If you’d like to wait here, I’ll check if Mrs Sutton is in her office,’ she said. ‘Who shall I say is here to see her?’
‘Mrs Edna Harris,’ the woman replied flatly.
‘Please take a seat,’ Audrey offered, indicating a hard oak bench next to a grandfather clock, which ticked dolefully.
Mrs Harris sighed, sitting down heavily and
