The Magical Footprints
Photo courtesy of Marci Abril.
Every Sunday in the month of May, I will post a short, short story using a photo from ones I select from my May Photo and Story contest. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram to learn more on how to submit your photo so you can be entered into a drawing to win a free, signed copy of my first novel, Guardians of the Keys, slated for release late June 2022 through Warren Publishing. Enjoy this week’s story!
Simon Justice was a precocious child. He was always climbing on countertops to reach the cookie jar, riding the family dog like a pony, or, to his exasperated mother’s dismay, picking the prize-winning flowers from their neighbor’s backyard.
One bright afternoon, his mother took him and his two older sisters to the beach for a much-needed getaway. As his mothers and sisters unpacked the picnic basket, Simon Justice watched in awe as a crab poked its head out of the sand. Curious as to what else he could discover on the long stretch of beach, Simon Justice snuck away from his family and began running towards the pier.
“Simon Justice! Get back here!” his mother yelled when she realized he was no longer by her side. But Simon Justice paid her no attention and instead ran after a seagull who had snatched a piece of bread from his hand.
Worried, his sisters tossed their plates aside and started to run after their little brother. Right at that moment, however, they caught a glimpse of large footprints rushing past them, making their way towards the wayward boy.
Where did those footprints come from? they asked one another. And who did they belong to? No one was in sight, yet the footprints continued running towards Simon Justice, their shapes making wet, dark imprints in the sand.
Just then, a wave crashed upon the shore right at the same time an invisible force lifted Simon Justice from the ground and out of harm’s way. To his mother and sisters it appeared the little boy was floating in mid-air. They stood with their mouths agape as Simon Justice, giggling with glee, floated his way back to them. The wet footprints moving in their direction were the only indication that someone or something had a hold of the child.
The footprints stopped at the edge of the family’s blanket and a happy Simon Justice wrapped his arms around his grateful mother. It was then that Simon Justice introduced his not-so-imaginary friend, Herbert T. Pillowbottom to his mother and two sisters. From that day forward, Herbie, as he liked to be called, was a welcome guest at every family outing.