Horrible Henry?

Gwenda was ready for school and climbed proudly on her new four geared bicycle. “Gwennie, why don’t you avoid that busy main road and go through Apple Garden Street. That is safer sweety. I will be relaxed if u opt that” said Linda.

“Mom, u know that Henry with long curly, sticky and greatly tangled hair lives there. The very sight of him terrifies me. Especially when he is out, with his hair loose, that would swing hazily around his broad shoulders making a weird sound. It is safer for me if I go by that busy road. Bye Mom. Love You.”

And yes, little Gwennie was brave girl. It was only when Henry was visible, she felt like a real coward. Humming a sweet song, Gwennie was pretty slow enjoying the fresh air with greeny aroma that hit her face. She smelled someone closer to her. “Hey Gwenda, I think even a snail can overtake u. Pretty cool right?”. It was Bob. She gave a cheerful smile and pedaled fast to keep pace with him.

“I came through Apple Garden Street.”, said Bob. Gwennie stumbled for a minute and looked at him for more details.

“And, I saw that Henry. Unusually, his wild hair carried a lighter shade, making me his looks more fearful. And he carried a huge leather bag. Tommy said that the bag contained all chocolates and candies, which he uses to attract children who reciprocate to his odd smile. Once u use anything out of his leather bag, u will obey him like his pet dog and for sure he will use u for his witchcraft. But I am not the kind who will fear him. One day when I get a chance, I will peep into his house and find out who he is”

Gwennie was now terrified. She wished Bob would close his mouth for God’s sake. She wanted to change the topic. Probably she would ask him some history questions which would make him to fumble. Otherwise too bossy and shrewd Bob always lost confidence when questioned in History. Gwennie was happy to see him fumbling. That tactics worked and Gwennie congratulated herself for that wise idea.

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It was a tiresome day for little Gwennie. As usual, she had a fresh tale about that Henry. Linda was almost bored of such stories. She always refused to believe that Henry was well versed in witchcraft. She wished her daughter could be brave enough to ignore this. But not all parents shared the same thought with Linda. Tommy’s mother almost banned him to play in Apple Garden street. So funny, thought Linda.

But Nancy, her neighbour was almost sure that Henry was wicked. “He goes to Richard street daily and he meets few awkward looking men like him there. That place is so deserted and was used by outlaws to gamble and drink. No man with genuine intentions would choose that place to do whatever legally permitted work there. And u know, the restaurant owner who has his hotel in the same building where Henry meets his friends is absconding for the past one week. Henry is the prime suspect in Police’s list. He can be caught anytime,” said Nancy.

This piece of information gave Linda a little restlessness. ‘But Nancy’s words cannot be relied upon always. Still, it is better if Gwennie avoids him. Gwennie need not be taught to keep a safe distance from him. She already knew it’, thought Linda.

Now, Gwennie could hardly control her from telling that new story about Henry. “Mom, he changed his hair colour today. It was dyed black. Earlier, it was silvery white. I almost thought he would be 60, looking at his white hairs. Probably he wants none to guess his age. As he was walking past, a really old man, too skinny, and probably too hungry asked for water. Henry was carrying the water bottle. But he just ignored the old man heartlessly and headed towards his house. That is how sorcerers are. Heartless and cruel.”

Linda became thoughtful and wished Gwennie could do some other productive work. With her quota of sandwiches, Gwennie knew what she had to do next to please her mother. She went to her room upstairs, sitting before the computer to complete her homework.

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That was Monday evening and Linda was worried, looking for Gwennie. Little Gwennie did come, but was looking miserable. Linda ran to her, and comforted.

‘Tell me my dear. What happened?’

‘He.. Hen..ry’, that is all she said and lied on the couch.

Now greatly terrified, Linda sat behind her.

‘I saw him in his compound, running behind someone, with .. blood drenched knife.’

“What!” exclaimed Linda.

As a matured mother, she contained her feelings. ‘Honey, do not imagine things. Nothing is as wild as u think. Just relax. Forget it for now. Have this hot porridge girl.’

Gwennie did feel better after taking that porridge. But started feeling feverish soon. Aprehensively, Linda rang to inform Walter, her husband.

Walter was in soon.

‘What is the problem? I see that Henry is harmless. We should educate Gwennie’ said Walter.

‘But Walter, I cannot blindly rely someone. Neighbours do not have good opinion about him for some odd reasons. And our little Gwennie has a solid reason this time. He ran with blood filled knife, behind someone. Is not that dangerous? Don’t u think we should do something to make this place safe for children? Ya, henry looks terribly awkward and carries sorcerers look with his tangled hair. I cannot tolerate to see Gwennie like this.’

Walter was quite. ‘Linda, u r not right. Still, I do not find a point to blame Henry. Better do not jump into conclusions. Sure, we have to do something about it. Till we know the facts, it is good not to blame a possible innocent.’

Linda acknowledged. For Walter would not stop with his words. She relaxed, relying his husband.

That did put an end to discussion about Henry. But not to Gwennie’s ill health. She missed her classes for two days and was feeling extremely feverish.

At last, she recovered, much to the relief of Linda. She scared to hear the word Henry even, making Linda to realize that something has to be done immediately.

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Gwennie was playing with her little brother Tom, as he was fondly called. They were in the lawn. Linda was in the front door, watching their little kids play.

Just then, Henry entered the house, with his terrible looking hair.

Gwennie receded, wanting to escape and equally, wanting to safeguard her little brother. She looked at Linda for support. Linda did not react in negative.

But Tommy viewed Henry funnily. He advanced near him, trying to jump and catch his hair. Henry, kneeled down, as if to help little Tom to accomplish his wish.

‘Hey, boy, u like my hair, just have it.’ He removed the wig, exposing his bald head.

Tom was more than a happy boy now. He was happy to have that funny wig. And was happy to glance through the bald head. The first bald head he had ever seen in his two years of life.

Gwennie, though relaxed to see Henry that way, was still shivering.

‘Gwennie, he was just chasing his pet dog, as he grabbed his fresh bread pocket. And the knife had no blood, but only jam. It was ur imagination Gwennie’, it was Walter.

Now Gwennie had a mild smile on her face.

She went near Henry. Shook his hand and said, ‘U look wonderful this way.’

Henry thought, ‘My dear little girl, that wig was uglier way to hide my complex. Not meant to hurt u kids’. As a happy, man, Henry walked bald, leaving his wig as a present for little Tom to play.