Goodbye

"Mummy!" the little boy shouted, and surged forward, breaking free from the grasp of the man who was holding him. Running clumsily, he headed towards a young woman dressed in gray, whose hands were tied behind her back. She was walking slowly, escorted by two burly guards.

The woman started as she noticed the little boy running towards her.

"That's my son," she said quietly to the guards. "Please, untie me."

The guards hesitated, uncertain, then one of them nodded, and quickly released her bonds.

Kneeling, she turned and embraced the little boy as he ran into her arms. Soft tears ran down her cheek as she held him tight.

"Where are you going, mummy?" the little boy asked, his voice muffled by the woman's body.

"I'm going away, Hal," the young woman answered chokingly. The tears flowed down faster than ever.

"OK. When will you be back, mummy?"

"I'm not coming back, Hal," the woman said softly.

Indignant, the child pulled away. "But you've got to come back! You have to see my room! Uncle Jay made it sooo good! And he's teaching me to ride Jumper!"

"I'm sorry, Hal. I can't come back." She tried to smile reassuringly but failed.

The little boy considered this for a moment.

"Then can I go with you?" he asked earnestly.

She thought her heart would break.

"No, Hal, I'm sorry." One of the guards put his hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry, Hal. I have to go."

"But I want to go with you!!!" The little boy did not understand.

The young woman hugged him tightly for the last time. "Remember this, Hal. Mummy will always love you."

A young man materialized in front of them. "Elizabeth? I'll take him."

The young woman stood up and nodded, but her tears did not stop. "Thank you, Jay. And God bless you."

The man nodded, his face unreadable. Then he carried the wailing chld away.

Elizabeth took a deep breath, raised her head high, and walked with pride and dignity towards the gallows that awaited her.

The crowd was silent.