Alan Smith, a college student, had been invited to spend an evening at his auntie’s house.  He had taken the bus and was looking forward to the visit.  When the bus arrived at the stop, Alan grabbed hold of his luggage case and got off.  It was a very bright afternoon, the sun shining down on him.  The area was remote and there were few local shops.  He had decided to come earlier, just to give his aunt a surprise.  He loved her very much and had not seen her since he was a boy.  It was quite a long walk from the bus stop, but he enjoyed the mild breeze.  Soon, he reached it and hugged his aunt. 

     ”Come in, Alan.  You came earlier than I expected.  To please me, no doubt.”

     “I’ve been looking forward to this moment since I was knee high.  How are you, auntie?”

     “Fine; just a bit lonely at times.  Sit down and I’ll make you some tea.”

     “Oh, there’s no need, auntie.  Let’s just sit by the fire and talk, or perhaps we could go out some place?”

     “Oh, very well, Alan.  There’s a small park not far from the shops.  Shall we go there?”

     Alan smiled and helped his aunt to her feet.

     Outside, few people were about and the silence was heavenly.  Only natural sounds filled the air, as birds chirped their melodic songs gaily.  Alan and his aunt talked, hand in hand, on the way about his childhood.  She was very fit for her age.

     “Alan, so how’s your mother these days?”

     “Mother’s a worrier, auntie.  She won’t change and you know that.  Of course, I comfort her when she gets depressed.  It’s just…natural I suppose.  Mother and child bonding, if you like.  Oh, that’s the park is it?”