(From one of our Creative Writing groups.)

“Do I look OK?” Judith asked as she hurriedly got into the car.

“You look fabulous, as always,” replied her husband, George, almost automatically.

They were leaving to go to Judith’s Aunt Edna’s funeral.
“Not always,” muttered Judith.

“What’s that? You have always looked chic, ever since I have known you,” said George.

“I wasn’t always like this, you know. It was Aunt Edna- I just wanted to be like her when I was young. She was the one who introduced me to my first love.”.

“First Love?” George was puzzled. He had known of Judith’s past boyfriends and even the exfiancé, but she had never mentioned her first love.

“Being asked to speak at Aunt Edna’s funeral, has brought it all back.” Judith mused.

“Hmm?” George mouthed as he concentrated on the traffic.

Then it all came out. Her uncle Rex had recently married Aunt Edna when Judith was 8 years old. All the family were in awe of Edna- she was glamorous, gorgeous, and gregarious. She was an editor and had lots to say about the places she had been to and people she had met. Judith was a little scared of her. She was a noisy tomboy- usually dressed in shorts and T-shirts—and found playing football or cricket with the neighbourhood boys.

Then it all changed. Judith started missing school every month due to recurrent tonsillitis. During her second bout, Aunt Edna came to visit and brought her a present, neatly wrapped in brown paper. Judith eagerly opened her present- you only get presents at Christmas and birthdays normally. “This should make you feel better," said Aunt Edna. Inside were some books- in fact, the first 3 books of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five.

Judith was not much of a reader, but with nothing else to do whilst in bed, she started reading. Soon she was absorbed in the adventures of Georgina, otherwise known as George, Julian, Dick, Anne, and George’s dog, Timmy.

She could relate to George- and she so wanted a dog.

After that, every time she had tonsillitis, Aunt Edna visited, bringing more Famous Five books. By the time Judith had finished the series, it was time to have her tonsils removed. And she never stopped reading after that. “So, that was my first love—reading and what made me decide to be a literary agent." “And second love? George asked hopefully.

“Ahh, my second love was called Timmy- he was the labrador Aunt Edna bought me after the operation. She was my role model since that time-we discussed not only books, but dogs and fashion, theatre, and so much more. Over the years. I will really miss her.”

“Here we are. Ready? Have you decided what you are going to say?” asked George.

“Exactly what I have been sharing with you on our journey here," Judith replied as she got out of the car and walked into the crowded church.