Sylvia (short story)

Caroline was an only child. Her parents had been trying for a baby for many years and had almost given up hope, when she finally arrived. She was a lonely child and her parents were very protective of her. She was only allowed to play in her own garden and had few friends. She didn't go to school either and was tutored at home, as her mother used to be a teacher, but gave up work when Caroline was born. She was an intelligent child, who always had her head stuck in one book or another.

Caroline did have one good friend though, a little girl called Sylvia, who lived in a house adjacent to the bottom of Caroline's long garden. She could only speak to her through the large trees and overgrown shrubbery at the end of Sylvia's garden.
Sylvia had explained to Caroline that she'd had polio as a small child and now walked with the aid of sticks and occasionally used a wheelchair to get around, but she always appeared cheerful and full of fun. Caroline felt sorry for Sylvia as she always wore the same, rather old-fashioned dress, while she had the most trendy clothes and latest toys and books. Sylvia was absolutely fascinated by all the wonderful things that Caroline had, but never appeared jealous of her at all.

Caroline thought Sylvia's parents were quite old and knew that she had grown up siblings, who came to visit regularly, but Caroline was mystified that they never acknowledged Sylvia. She also noticed that Sylvia's parents didn't speak to her either and never answered her when she spoke to them. Sylvia just laughed "They're a bit hard of hearing" she said, which was strange Caroline thought, as they always made a point of speaking to her, just to pass the time of day usually and always answered her when she spoke.  Caroline had often asked Sylvia round to play in her garden and maybe stay for tea one day, but Sylvia always made excuses, saying her parents wouldn't approve, or that they would worry about her.

It's a good job she's got me as a friend, Caroline thought, rather sadly. She couldn't understand how Sylvia was so cheerful under the circumstances.

One day, Sylvia's father decided to pollard the trees and cut back the untidy, overgrown hedges. Sylvia was not around that day for some reason and Caroline decided to pluck up the courage and ask them why they ignored their daughter.

"Why is it you never speak to Sylvia?" she asked.

Sylvia's mother had joined her husband in the garden and went as white as a sheet at the mention of her name. "How do you know about Sylvia?" she asked, her eyes suddenly brimming with tears.

"Well, we chat most days, down here" replied Caroline. "She's my best friend"

"That's impossible!" cried Sylvia's father in heartbroken disbelief. "Our beautiful little girl died of pneumonia more than thirty years ago!"




THE END