In Time, Clementine by Persis A. Moodley - HTML preview

Chapter 6: Going Home

Clementine was careful not to fly too high just in case the black eagle came back. She flew steadily – not too fast, not too slow.

She stopped for a little while to rest her wings and have a little snack. Soon she was out of the forest and flying towards the main street in her hometown.

She saw Mr Wilkins reading his morning newspaper on the porch, like he always does.

“Mr Wilkins!! Look!! I have my butterfly wings!!”

“Clementine? Is that you? Wow, you are so pretty!!” said Mr Wilkins. “Congratulations!”

Clementine flew as fast as she could to her house and slowed down as she came close to the kitchen window. She could see Mum sitting at the table with her head in her hands. This morning Mum wasn’t singing; Mum was crying... inconsolable.

Ellie stood beside Mum and held her shoulders. She was saying, “Mum, please don’t cry. We’ll find Clementine soon. She’s brave, she’ll be alright.”

Clementine burst through the door. “Mum! Ellie!”

She collapsed onto Mum’s arms and her body shook with her loud sobs. “I was so scared Mum. The black eagle chased me into the forest!”

“My little Angel! You’re alright!”

“And you have your butterfly wings!” Ellie was so excited! “Clementine, they’re so pretty!”

“Clementine, you’re home!” Clementine just knew who that was: Dad!!

“Daddy!” she screamed with delight and raced into his arms. Oh, how she had missed him so much!

Mum, Dad, Ellie and Clementine all started laughing and dancing at Clementine’s home-coming and her new wings. Mum put her pan on the stove and started making honey pancakes.

Ellie asked Clementine many questions about her night in the forest. Dad cuddled her in his strong arms and kissed her forehead over and over again.

Better than her crystal chain, better than her wings, to be home with her family was the best gift ever. Clementine put her head on Dad’s shoulders and was happier than she had ever been.

This was the time she had waited for, and it was well worth it! All, in time...