My Short Short for the Day

 “Here you go Bella.”  Silvia handed her some scraps before shrinking back to kid size.

“What about you?”  Bella asked ignoring her growling belly.

“Don’t worry.  I already ate.”  Silvia lied with a smile.

If it wasn’t for Silvia, Bella probably would have died.  Bella’s dad had died in the war when she was only 3.  She tried but couldn’t remember what he looked like anymore.  Then her mom got really sick.  Bella had tried her best to care for her.  She had met Silvia one day in the alley behind Ned’s Bakery.  Silvia was adult size, so Bella thought she was a grown up.  She had several pieces of bread and a few chunks of pastries in her hands.  Bella stared up at her with hunger rumbling in her belly. 

“Please, can I have a piece of bread for my mum?  She’s sick.”  As much as Bella wanted to eat something, she knew her mom needed it more.

Silvia looked down at her.  “Where is your mum?”

Bella pointed to the mass of run-down shacks.

“Take me to her.”  Silvia nodded towards the shacks.

Bella led her home.  Silvia walked over to the bed, setting the food on a nearby table.  She looked at the woman and very gently touched her neck.  She let her hand drop and was silent for a few moments.

“What’s your name?”  Silvia asked quietly as she picked up a nearby bag and began to fill it.

“Bella.” 

“I’m Silvia.”  She said stuffing a few more items into the sack.  “How old are you?”

“Five.”  Bella watched Silvia move about the room.

“Time to go.”  Silvia said packing the food into the bag before slinging it over her shoulder.

“But, what about mum?”  Bella took a step towards the bed, but Silvia stepped in front of her.

“I’m sorry Bella, she’s gone.”  Silvia shrunk down to kid size, took Bella’s hand and walked out.  “But don’t worry kid, I’m 8 so I can take care of you now.”