Chapter 9
A Solemn Ceremony
Alone in his bedroom, Nigel methodically arranged Pooh and all his
stuffed animals at the head and foot of the bed just as one might seat
an audience at a rugby match. In the center of the bed, he set
Tommy's old toffee tin, pried the lid off, and one by one removed the
old metal toys. When at last he had arranged them around the tin, he
very somberly removed the handkerchief with the faded initials of TW,
unfolded it and carefully smoothed out over his quilt.
"Goodbye, Mr. Penguin," the boy intoned with almost comical
seriousness. "Goodbye Snoopy Dog. Goodbye Xylophone Kitty. Goodbye
Diaper Baby. Goodbye Wild Indian. Goodbye Brave Soldiers. Goodbye
Mickey Mouse."
And one by one, in the presence of all his stuffed animals, he set
them neatly back in the tin. Refolding the handkerchief and gently
placing it on top of the metal toys, he paused, then slowly and almost
regretfully replaced the lid.
Nigel lifted the toffee tin and tucked it under an arm. There was a
polite knock on the door, and then his mummy peeked in.
"Nigel?" She asked in astonishment. "What on earth are you doing in
your best Sunday clothes?"
"I have to give Tommy his toys."
Angela's concern melted away and she gave her boy an endearing smile.
She held out her hand.
"Would you like me to come with you?"
Nigel nodded soberly and took her hand, and they descended the stairs
together. Upon reaching the foot of the stairs, Nigel abruptly
released his mum's hand and marched over to the icebox. Angela
understood, and she followed and brought down the naughty-derby-man,
which Nigel placed in the box, under Tommy's handkerchief.
"You'd better not poke out your willy, Mr. Derbyman," Nigel warned,
"Or you'll get Tommy in trouble!"
Then they walked out the door.
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