Whitney 024

Something happened to the young woman. She stood like a frozen still, her hand still in a waving position towards the bay window.

"Anything the matter, Whitney?"

She surfaced and said in a dreamy voice

"There was a little boy in pajamas looking out the window. Poor boy, he held his hand on his left ear as if it was hurting badly. I felt sorry for him. A boy of five, maybe six. Now he is gone. I only saw him a couple of seconds. He had a haircut similar to mine".

"I have the impression that you are back in the present, is that right?"

"Yes, I'm back. What a pity. I will hand you back the glasses".

"Thank you. Now I am fairly sure about the age of these glasses. They must have been made in 1956 or 1957".

"How can you be so sure?"

"Well, you told me about the cars. Just a few cars in the street compared with the previous glasses. And the boy you saw may well have been your photographer. I had frequent middle ear infections at the age of six and they kept coming back. I often stayed with my Gran during that year. The problem was eventually solved by an operation in a hospital. When I woke up, my head looked wrapped up like an Egyptian mummy".

"May I ask, why did you not live with your parents?"

"I did, but they thought a bit of distraction would do me good. And it did. My sister and brother were very small so my mother was always very busy caring for them. We lived just a block from where you are standing now. It was an excellent arrangement. My Gran and her sister were always very good to me. I missed most of the school year but it was a blessing in disguise. My Gran had an old encyclopedia and she allowed me to read at night if the pain was too bad to fall asleep. I learned all about history and geography, more than the teacher at school could have done".

"That's an interesting story. I would not mind seeing the house of your family next".

"Exactly what I had in mind, And if you are not tired of the vintage glasses, you can try some more pairs on that doorstep".

"Brilliant idea. Your time machine is a fascinating experience. And the best thing about it is the safe return. Here are your old glasses. Let's hit the road"