My Hero

© Ayr/Gray

The Unicorn Challenge.

A magical new weekly writing opportunity from him – C. E. Ayr – and me.
The rules are
Maximum of 250 words.
Based on photo prompt.
That’s it.

Click here to read other stories from the prompt: 10/05/24

My Hero

He looked like a cross between Albert Einstein and Pinocchio’s dad – white hair sticking up, black waistcoat hanging open, twinkling eyes behind round glasses.
He was my grandfather.
And he was a locksmith.
My mother took care of us both.
(My father ran off soon after I was born, but I didn’t miss him – I had Granpa.)
When she had to go out, Mum would take me to his workshop.
I’d sit very still and watch him.
He’d be bent over his table, totally concentrated on the insides of a lock.
Nothing could distract him.
It was so peaceful.
And magical.
I’d picture the houses the locks would protect, invent adventures for the children who played there.
But eventually I’d get fidgety, and he’d take me over to the table.
He’d show me how to open locks – without a key!
I loved that.
Then he’d get me to try.
He used to time me and I got faster and faster.
We didn’t tell Mum though!
To this day, whenever I see a lock, I pick it – only in my head, of course.
Well, actually…
Oh, never mind.

I remember the day he put me in handcuffs and taught me how to escape.
He said it was good training.
When I asked what for, he winked and said, ‘Just in case…’
I wonder if he suspected?
Or if he already…?
Whatever – it’s thanks to him I trained as a doctor and became a famous surgeon.

But that’s only my day job..