Pip's Snail Time

Before his baby brother arrived, Pip and Mum used to sit beside the kitchen window after lunch. Mum drank tea while Pip showed her whatever he had made or found. Above them stood a little wooden shelf for special things. Pip liked knowing that some things were worth stopping to look at.

Nowadays, their hedgehog home smelled of warm milk and freshly washed blankets. Mum was still nearby, but her paws were often busy. Today Pip had made a clay snail. Its shell leaned to one side because he had pressed the spiral a little too hard. He had smoothed it carefully with one damp claw.

Aunt Hazel had come to visit. Dad brought her a cup of tea while Mum held the baby. When the baby yawned, Aunt Hazel leaned close. "Look at that tiny mouth!" she whispered. Pip lifted his snail. She glanced at it and smiled, but then the baby stretched one foot and everyone looked down again.