1124 (parable)

A recently retired couple were strolling along the beach towards the old

bathing pool site. They came across a pushchair, with a toy and a child's

blanket in it, but no sign of child or mother. As they were looking round

they heard a young woman's voice give a plaintive cry, almost in despair,

'Chloe! Chloe!'

The couple ran towards her and joined in, running up and down in

different directions and calling out 'Chloe! Chloe!', but to no avail. The

young woman stopped and shook her head, but made no attempt to speak.

The retired couple looked at each other, gave up and walked slowly back

towards the bathing pool; but as they approached the abandoned

pushchair they saw a rather dishevelled young man with a scruffy beard

trying to strap a wriggling toddler into it.

They ran forward, not quite knowing whether to grap the child or ring for

the police.

Just then they heard the faint yap of a small dog.

'Oh Chloe!'

Brian Hick February 2012