A piece of cake.

What kind of place was this anyway? She felt confused and upset.
Where was she? Was it some kind of hospital? Yes, that was it! It had
to be. She didn't feel particularly ill though.

She looked around her again. Disorientation gripped her once more.
Actually she did feel a little sick. Hugging her coat closely to her
body, she sat huddled in the chair hoping she would be unnoticed.

The tears welled in her eyes as she thought of her family. They had
abandoned her. She struggled to remember when she had last seen a
familiar face. She dearly wanted to be in her own comfortable bed
surrounded by all of her own things. The only belongings she had here
were the clothes she wore.

At least they were going to feed her while she was here. She eyed the
plate on the table a few feet away. It looked nice enough, but she was
suspicious. Was it safe to eat? She missed the home cooking she had
once enjoyed. Never again would she complain about stodgy pudding or
soggy cabbage! If only her family would come for her and take her
home.

The woman at her table sat patiently cutting up food and passing plates
around. Some ate readily, but others with tear-stained faces seemed
more reluctant.

Jane edged her seat closer and unfolded her arms. Maybe she'd just have
a drink. Someone on the next table screamed and threw their dinner on
the floor. Jane jumped and slopped her milk over her hand. She couldn't
bear it. Some of them were like wild animals - running and screaming,
throwing things and fighting.

The lady in charge of her table smiled apologetically saying "Take no
notice. Just eat your food and I'll deal with it." She left to sit on
the other table and they all looked at each other, then down at their
plates in an awkward silence.

Once lunch had finished, everyone picked up their plates and filed to
the trolley to stack them in piles. Some shuffled or dragged their feet
while others bounced along laughing and giggling.

Feeling isolated and bewildered, she viewed the array of activities
provided for their distraction. Many were occupied and engrossed in
their tasks, but others lost interest and wandered around in search of
alternative stimulation.

Jane wondered if she ought to participate. Maybe if they thought she
was well enough to join in, they would allow her to go home.

Tentatively, she approached a craft table laden with various objects.
She had no idea what needed to be done, she merely moved all the items
around until they made a pretty pattern. This seemed to please the
organizer of this particular diversionary outlet. A large encouraging
smile greeted Jane across the long table. More objects were passed to
her and she added to the pattern. How big would Jane need to make this
mosaic before she proved she was well enough to leave?

A small procession passed by en route to the lavatory. The individuals
requiring assistance were duly assisted and sent on their way. Some
needed clothing changes and were offered comfort and reassurance that
this was not a problem.

Jane found that although she did not attend church on a sunday, she was
praying and bargaining with God. All that could be offered was done so,
in exchange for her freedom from this dreadful place.

Never again would she be a bad person, she vowed. She would be the most
helpful, loyal, wonderful, caring individual anyone would care to meet.
All this and more as long as she could pass through that door.

Suddenly,as if on cue, everyone rose and began to pack away. Apparently
it was time for group activity. Singing was the order of the day. One
by one they all trouped into the room housing the large piano. Before
long, tuneless yet loud voices could be heard accompanying the notes on
the piano. This continued for nearly half an hour with Jane pretending
to know the words and miming frantically rather than sit inert.

On emerging red-faced and thirsty, drinks were handed around and coats
proffered. Some chose to go outside, still supervised and within the
confines of the fence. Others elected to choose a book and sit quietly.
Jane needed some air.

As she walked slowly around the grass, an arm linked with hers and she
jumped in surprise. She turned to see a small, pale face looking
eagerly up at her.

"I'm Sophie" she whispered. "Are you Jane?"

"Yes" Jane answered quietly.

"Walk with me if you like. I've been here before and I know how it
works." Sophie informed her.

During their walk, Sophie chattered ceaselessly. Jane listened
carefully and attentively, absorbing all the information. Although Jane
was doubtful that all Sophie had told her was true, as yet she knew no
different. She decided therefore, to believe her for the present,
unless she was proved wrong.

The day progressed, accompanied by several nods and nudges of 'I told
you so' by Sophie, as her predictions came to be. Jane began to
relax.

As the hands of the clock moved slowly onwards, Jane began to despair
that the time would ever arrive. If Sophie's timetable of events ran
true, her family would be here to see her soon. Sure enough though,
people began to disappear in singles and pairs. If Sophie had not
warned her of this event beforehand, she felt sure she would have been
terrified as the number dwindled around her. Jane waited with baited
breath for her name to be called, praying silently that they would ask
for her.

She moved like an automaton when she eventually heard her summons. She
wanted so badly to believe Sophie, yet she was scared. What if Sophie
was wrong and today was different? Without a backward glance, she
walked towards the doorway.

The door swung open and there in front of Jane was her sister and
mother. With a sob, Jane ran forward and threw herself at her family.
Sophie had predicted correctly. She had survived her first day at
nursery! After this it would be a piece of cake.