Southend U3A

Writing for Fun

December 2015

Heaven Sent - Maureen Rampersaud

It was Christmas Eve, but Margit was alone in her little cottage in the forest. The war had taken the love of her life, so there was now no prospect of the houseful of children that they had dreamed of. She was a one man woman, so that was that.

She peered out of the window at the snow swirling and dancing in the moonlight and wondered if she should listen to some music to celebrate the birth of that special baby. A shadow passed the window, followed by an animal cry. She listened at the door, then opened it a crack. Curiosity overwhelmed her and she opened it fully only to find a bundle of clothes on her doorstep. How strange.

Bending down to pick them up, she nearly jumped out of her skin when she saw two dark eyes of a baby peeping out at her from behind a woolly blanket. Margit brought it into the warmth of the cottage. She laid it on the bed and carefully unwrapped it, a girl, it turned out. She appeared healthy, but maybe she'd take the baby to her good friend, the village doctor, to make sure.

The baby gurgled and kicked happily. Margit was entranced, watching her by the light of the flickering fire. Was this precious, magical baby heaven sent, especially for her? Had Our Lady, Mary, the mother of Jesus felt her need and implored her son to perform a miracle on this special night?

She realized that she must stop indulging herself and get this baby to the village for proper help. After all, what did she know about babies? But she could learn.