Do you believe in magic? Colin asked her.
I do, she answered, but everybody gives it a different name.
It makes the sun shine and the seeds grow—and it has made you healthy.
She sat down on the grass and stayed for a while,
talking and laughing with the children in the quiet,
sunny garden.When she stood up to leave,
Colin suddenly put out a hand to her.
I wish—you were my mother! he whispered.
Mrs Sowerby put her arms round him and held him to her.
Dear boy! You're as close to your mother as you could be,
here in her garden.
And your father'll come back soon!