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Experience Needle-Time Needle-Time is a fictional piece written to bring to life the magic that surrounds the love of carrying on the tradition of the needlearts from generation to generation. Join me for a new story each issue that will reflect the strong bond formed between Aunt Lilly and Molly through their special needle-time. Click here to read how one, 'real life', ten-year-old feels about stitching! Look below for this issue's Needle-Time story.
Last issue Aunt Lilly shared her advice with Molly on how to enjoy each of life's unique moments. Join us this issue as Molly learns that everyone needs time alone. Time Alone Molly’s mom broke the disappointing news to her right before dropping her off at Aunt Lilly’s that Saturday morning. Starting Monday, she would no longer be taking the bus straight home from school like she had for the past four years. Her mom’s boss called her back to work second shift at the hospital and now that meant she had to be shuffled off to Ms. Peggy’s five days in a row every week. Ms. Peggy treated her nicely the few times she had to go there, whenever her mom would have to cover a shift for someone. She even let her bake cupcakes from time to time and she could still watch her favorite cartoon, Teen Titans. She guessed it would be okay. But, then she thought of the perfect idea—spending her afternoons at Aunt Lilly’s! “Please, Aunt Lilly. Let me take the bus to your house after school.” “Wouldn’t it be more fun to be with kids your own age?” “No, not really.” Aunt Lilly took Molly’s embroidery hoop out of her hands and stared into her eyes. “We both know that’s not true.” She got to be with kids her own age all day at school. “It is, true. I’d much rather be here with you.” Aunt Lilly frowned. “I’m sorry, sweetie, but I’m not around enough after school to take care of you everyday.” She saw her car outside in the driveway everyday on her bus ride back from school. Why would she lie? She challenged her for the truth. “You are, too, around.” “I’ve got errands to run, grass to cut, gardens to grow. You’ll get bored.” She could never be bored at her house. “That’s not true.” “I’d end up taking you away from all that fun you could be having with your friends.” She did have fun with her friends. She didn’t really like mowing grass either. But, she could have fun helping her to run errands. “I could be your helper.” “I always have so much laundry to do,” Aunt Lilly looked around the room, “And dusting to get through.” She listed excuses. The more excuses Aunt Lilly listed, the more Molly wanted to come. “You just don’t want me around.” “That’s not true. If course I want you around.” “Then why all the excuses?” Aunt Lilly pulled her close to her side. “They’re not excuses, dear. I do need to do all of these things.” Molly shook her head. “Then why can’t I do them with you?” A smile warmed her aunt’s face. “The truth is, I just need time to be alone.” Molly let the truth sink in. She didn’t want Aunt Lilly to see her chin shaking, so she looked down at her clenched hands. “Why do you need to be alone?” Aunt Lilly wiped away the tear rolling down Molly’s cheek. “It gives me the chance to do the things I love to do, like tilling the soil in my flower bed while listening to the birds chirping overhead, or curling up on my bed and reading a good book. Just like how you love to snuggle up by yourself on the couch to watch your cartoons.” Molly thought about her cartoons. “I can’t stand when someone talks while I’m watching Teen Titans.” “Then, imagine how you would feel if you couldn’t watch your show without having someone talking next to you?” “I would wish to be alone, I guess.” “We all need time alone. My needing this time alone doesn’t mean I don’t love being around you. It simply means I need both, time alone and time with those I care about.” Molly picked up her stitching again and handed Aunt Lilly’s hers, then plunged her needle into the fabric to finish her backstitching. She wouldn’t be happy either if someone, even Aunt Lilly, talked during a good part of her favorite show. She loved Aunt Lilly and she loved watching Teen Titans. She could love both just as Aunt Lilly could love her time alone and her time with her. “I understand now.”
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