Pointed

Old Wingbeat was thrown out today. We watched from the window. It was something to do with his rent but I had a feeling it ran much deeper than that. Right to the tips of his ears.
       Turns out a dwarf can overpower you, or several rather. The bailiffs turned up, stumpy legs swinging out the sides of the van. My breath staggered, suddenly, irrationally terrified that they were coming for me. But of course they crossed over to Malcolm's house. Then I felt guilty with relief.
       "What's 'appening?" Ruth asked, joining me by the window.
       "They've come for Old Wingbeat," I said, watching the bailiffs' fists pounding on the door like baseballs.
       "Shouldn't we say goodbye?" She motioned to run down the hall, excited.
       "No." I bristled, gripping her shoulder. "We won't do that."
       Malcolm's door opened. I caught a glimpse of him but then it swung to close. Too late. The bailiffs poured in like big angry ants. And just like ants, they carried him out.
       Me and Ruth didn't speak. I wondered for a moment if I should be letting her see this. I wanted her to react somehow, to let me know. The silence was soon over. But it wasn't Ruth.
       "Mr Wingbeat! Mr Wingbeat!"
       I turned, calling his name softly, expecting him to come to me. He came darting down the stairs. I braced myself to catch him. Then he raced past us! Ruth tried to grab him like twelve year old sisters do, cross with their younger siblings.
       "Alfie!" she cried, taking off after him. I pushed past her, but he was down the next flight already.
       "Alfie, come here!" My voice carried off, tinged with fright. I heard the door opening. The sounds of our locks distinctively ours. Ruth shouted, thundering down the stairs behind me. My necklace (a twist of hemp and beads) patted my chest. Even dumb dwarf ears could hear this commotion. My fingers found the door handle.
       Alfie was standing aghast on the front lawn. We recently had the hedges trimmed, so he peeked over the top, concealed from view. Malcolm Wingbeat was still kicking and screaming, but the bailiffs paused when they saw me. If there wasn't enough tension before, there was now. They looked ready to carry me off too, the way they eyed me like that. I knew they couldn't see him, but I grabbed Alfie by the ear and pulled him away.
       "Ruth!" I scowled, seeing her standing in the doorway. She jumped back.
       "What 'appened?"
       "Nothing," and I slammed the door shut.


As I recall this to Miss Mildew, I glance over at Malcolm's house. She follows my gaze, reading the wariness on my face. The tea sloshes around in my cup and I realise I'm trembling. She leans across, taking my wrist and guiding me to set my tea down. I watch her small wrinkled hand, and remember that some dwarves are still tender. Some are still kind.
       "They might not have saw you properly," she says. "And even if they did, dear, it's not a definite."
       "In time. They'll be here alright."
       "Don't say that." She winces, speaking as if to soften a blow. I'm about to start crying, come out in some sort of outburst, when Ruth comes round and peers over Miss Mildew's fence.
       "Mam?"
       I sigh, expelling the sadness. "Ruthie, what did I tell you about going out the gate?"
       "Sorry," she murmurs.
       "Come here," I say, smiling. It scares away the tears for now. "Where's Alfie?"
       "In his room. He got bored playing house. I told you he doesn't like it. It's better with you, mam."
       "But I'm here with Miss Mildew," I chuckle.
       "Would you like some tea, dear? I'm sure we can play your game." Miss Mildew is already fetching the teapot. Ruth breathes in the warm aroma and nods eagerly. I don't give her tea often because she likes it sugary, so this is a treat. I think Miss Mildew knows this because I catch her wink at me.
       "Tell you what, I'll go get some of my ginger cake too."
       "Aren't you being spoiled today? Go and get your brother," I say, tapping Ruth on the nose. She squares up, delighted with such responsibility, and then she runs off.