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The sun is beginning to set, meaning all of the littluns are settling around the fire for Piggy’s bedtime story. Except tonight, Piggy had wandered off into the forest with Ralph to look for a fresh stream of water. The two of them had left Simon in charge of watching over the littluns all day and night. Simon’s eyes burn with exhaustion but he sits down around the fire, surrounded by little kids.
“Will you tell us a story?” Percival asks, Simon laughs awkwardly.
“I can’t really do stories as well as Piggy..” A chorus of pleas echoes around the fire. “Okay okay, how about a lullabye?” All of the littluns cheer as they settle deeper into their seats on the logs or the sand, their young faces lit from the flickering flame. Simon clears his throat slightly. Even being in choir, he’s always been a little awkward about singing in front of others. “Does anyone know ‘Lavender’s Blue’?”
“My mum sings that to me!” Phil says happily, Simon smiles softly.
“Alright then, I hope I do her justice.” He says with a soft chuckle, he takes a breath before beginning to sing softly. He keeps his town light and quiet, hoping that they are tired enough they will all fall asleep within one run of the song, maybe two.
Unbeknownst to Simon, while he sings, someone watches and listens from the edge of the forest. As Simon begins to repeat the song, he feels a small weight fall onto his arm, another onto his lap. The two littlest kids had both fallen asleep on him. He smiles softly as he continues to sing, glancing around the fire. Most of the kids have fallen asleep, the rest are yawning. He finishes the lullaby in a whisper, careful not to wake any of them up. He gently grabs the two asleep on him, one in each arm, and carries them to the shelter. He lays them down on the soft ground, watching to see if they stir or wake up. Once they are settled he returns to the fire, picking up another kid. He continues this back and forth motion, humming softly to himself, until every littlun is safely in the shelter and fast asleep.
Simon sits back on the log, leaning his elbows on his knees. He allows his head to fall into his hands, exhausted.
“You’re really good with them.” Jack’s voice jolts him out of his own thoughts.
“Oh, thank you, Jack.” He says, looking up as Jack sits down next to him, their knees brushing.
“Doesn’t Piggy normally take care of them?” Jack asks, glancing over to Simon who is still staring into the fire. He nods slowly.
“He’s off with Ralph today. Looking for fresh water I think.” Simon explains, blinking slowly. “I don’t know how he does it every day. They’re a handful.”
Jack chuckles, “I’m not surprised. I’d be frightened too if I was stuck on this island and I was 5 years old.” Simon nods, “Are you even listening to me, Si?”
“Hm?”
“Nevermind..”
“Hm..okay” Simon mutters, leaning against Jack’s shoulder. Jack freezes.
“What are you doing?”
“Just..resting my eyes for a moment. I’ll move in a second.”
“Oh. Okay then.”
Jack relaxes slightly, watching the flames flicker in front of them. Within a minute or so, he can feel Simon’s head become heavier on his shoulder. When he looks down, Simon is fast asleep. He can’t help the soft smile that spreads across his face as he watches him sleep so peacefully.