One

'Hiya, Dad,' his boy said. 'Where've you been? I'm freezing.'

Jane struggled free of the tiger's dead weight and stood up. He moved slowly towards his son. He was cautious, unsure. He didn't want to be tricked again. He clambered up to level ground and Stanley reached out a hand, slid it through the gap between Jane's thumb and forefinger.

'Makeme warm, Dad. I've been cold for such a long time. Waiting for you.'

Jane wiped away tears, eager after all this time to have Stanley clear in his sight. 'I'm here. I've always been here.'

'Me too, Dad. Come on, it's this way.'

Jane allowed himself to be led. He did not look back. After a while, he reached down and picked his boy up. He closed his eyes to his magical, unique smell, the soft measure of his breath, his strong, regular heartbeat. He closed his eyes and it was as if nothing had changed.

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ISBN 9780753520529

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Copyright©Conrad Williams 2009

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