Anne

I became ill  with depression  after the sudden loss of my father which  became worse after time. After a while I got to a point in my life where everything in my life became to much to cope with. I could  only go outside for a short while at a time then this awful panic would come over me from nowhere. All I wanted to do was to rush back inside as it was the only place I felt safe  and secure. I had asked for help from my family but they just told me it was all in my head and I was  making it all up. But I knew how I felt inside. How I longed for them to show me some understanding.

I decided if I was going to get any better I would have to face my fears alone. I stepped outside. It was a lovely day and the sun was shining brightly. It felt really good to be outside in the fresh air. I carried on down the path. At the bottom of the path there was the entrance to the local park. I opened the gate and walked inside and carried on until I came across where the slide was situated. Their was a lot of children running about  playing and laughing. Then I noticed  a small child come running towards me. She was about five years old with long blonde hair. She looked really upset so I asked her ” What is the matter darling”. She then started to cry. She told me that she had been playing on the slide with her friend but when she went to find her mother there was no sign of her.” It’s  alright darling we will find her soon  then she will give you a big hug”. I held her hand then she stopped crying and began to smile. I asked her her name and she told me she was called Anne.

We looked around the park where she had been playing to see if her mother had returned but their was sign of her mother. Over  the other side of the park there was a small kiosk where you could buy a ice cream and drinks. There was also a small hut where you could report a lost child. I asked the attendant if had anybody reported a child missing. He informed me that he had not seen anybody in the last half hour. I asked her if she like a ice cream. She said ” Yes please ” and then she began to smile.  I told her don’t worry we will soon find her mummy. Suddenly we saw  a lady come running towards us  and.she looked frantic with worry. She then saw me sitting with Anne. She looked at Anne and asked her why  she had not stayed by the slide until I had come for her. But she was so relieved to see her daughter that she could no longer be angry with her. Instead she picked her up in her arms and hugged her. She then told  me her name was Carol and  thanked me for taking care of her daughter. We carried on chatting for a while and then she suggested we met up for  a coffee and a chat. I replied that is very kind of you to ask me as it be nice to have a friend to talk to.

Three years have passed since that day and Carol and I have become best friends. I am so glad I decided to go out that day as I would had never met Carol and her beautiful  daughter Anne. Now I realise life is for living  and things can change for the better if you really want it bad enough.

Jasmine7