Geraldine. Photo: Penny Grubb

The Christmas Mystery — Granddad’s Missing Hat

Six Word Photo Story Challenge: Freestyle

Nothing’s so infectious as children’s laughter.

Some months ago, the seven-year-old and her granddad were sitting on the sofa discussing school and pixies. Suddenly, for reasons we never fathomed, the Caped Crusader leapt up beside them, grabbed the hat from Granddad’s head and ran off giving it a thorough shaking.

The seven-year-old was helpless with laughter at the sight. Granddad was so entertained by her reaction, that far from scolding the Caped Crusader, he retrieved his hat and encouraged her to do it again.

Before long, in response to “Where’s my hat?” the Caped Crusader would seek it out from chair, coat hook, or head and give it a good shaking. The seven-year-old found it hilarious. And we all found the seven-year-old’s uncontrollable mirth irresistible.

The joke never lost its magic, but after a few weeks, it became a little old, so I decided to try injecting some variety.

The hat went missing!

Everyone but me turned accusatory eyes on the Caped Crusader, but she was sleeping with no hat anywhere near.

“I hope she hasn’t eaten it,” said Granddad, sounding genuinely worried. Cue laughter from the seven-year-old.

I never suspected the Caped Crusader because I knew better. I had the evidence to shop the real culprit. I flourished the photograph and announced dramatically. “It was Geraldine!”

And that turned out to be the funniest thing the seven-year-old had ever heard.

Laughter is good for the soul

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