By: John Silva – July, 2022
Jack is captivated by the beautiful young girl. He thinks to himself, she is a beautiful child! She’s so winsome… such a delight. He believes he has seen her before, but can’t recall her name. She appears to be about five years old. And, she certainly seems to like the color blue. Her dress is such a beautiful shade of blue, and it fits her well. She is so precious; he just wants to pick her up and hug her. Such a beautiful child… truly beautiful. And, such a beautiful smile, and that twinkle in her eye… absolutely beautiful.
Her dress is adorable… it’s perfect! It’s the quintessential dress for a little girl. There is a small row of white ruffles around the collar, and the sleeves are puffed at the shoulders and end with a second row of white ruffles just above her elbows. The dress is plain and flows downward to just above her knees in a series of easy folds. The hem is trimmed with a final row of small white ruffles.
Her countenance is serene and her face projects an innocence which says, I’m well behaved, and you don’t have to worry about me. However, under that guile lies a hint of mischief which could easily reveal itself at any time.
She’s wearing an adorable straw hat decorated with baby blue flowers and a wide blue ribbon and her face is reflecting the golden beams of the sun. And, her long, blond hair flows gently as it lands softly on her shoulders.
Her nose, to use a well worn phrase, is just as cute as a button. Which is probably some reference to something well known in previous centuries, but which has been lost to our time and understanding.
Her cherub-like cheeks remind him of Raphael’s Sistine Madonna with its two young angles dreaming of who knows what. The angels are rosy, pink, round, and plump. And, they seem to invite everyone to gently pinch them. Her short legs are a bit pudgy, and she is wearing long, white, stockings which have slipped down to her round toed, patent leather shoes.
Her attire is absolutely perfect… enchanting, and bewitching. It harkens back to another time and place conjuring images of past epochs and ages… simpler times… beautiful times. She exudes contentment, joy, and happiness. She is a confirmation of hope for the future.
Ah, there you are. Jack, I’ve been looking all over for you, and here you are in the garden. Isn’t it a beautiful day? Are you enjoying the fresh air?
Hi Sally… I sure am. You are right. It is a beautiful day. And, I have made a new friend. I think her name is Jane, but I’m not sure. Would you like to meet her? She is over by the bench.
Jack… I would love to meet her.
There you are, sweet child. You are such a beautiful little girl, may I ask your name? Is it Jane?
Yes, my name is Jane. And, what is your name?
My name is Jack, and this is my friend Sally. She comes to visit me everyday.
Why, Jack… Jane is such a delightful child. You are quite lucky to have her as a friend. Have you known her for a long time?
I think so… but, I’m not sure.
Jack, are you ready to come inside? I think they are starting to serve dinner.
Margaret, could I talk to you. You have spent a lot of time with Jack. how do you think he is doing?
Sure, Sally. What would you like to talk about?
Well, it’s Jack. He seems to be moving into a new phase. And I think his condition is getting worse.
Oh? How so?
He has a new friend.
Really? Well, that’s great news! He has had such a difficult time fitting in and making friends.
Margaret, it may not be good news. I’m very concerned about him. Do you know the bench in the Serenity Garden? The white one done in that ornate baroque style.
You mean, the pretty one under the old elm tree near the center of the garden.
Yes, that’s the one.
Of course, whenever I get too stressed, I try to spend some time just sitting there with my eyes closed… listening to the birds sing their songs. I often take comfort there.
Well, Margaret, I was looking for Jack this afternoon and I found him sitting on that bench talking to his new friend.
Oh, no… Sally, please, please, please… don’t tell me… no, it can’t be true… it can’t be… no, no, no… that is just too sad. Are you saying, while Jack was sitting near the bench, he and his new friend were talking to each other? Not the adorable little girl in the white dress. Not the one made of concrete.
