Gwen was an amateur nature photographer. Some weekends she liked to get away to an isolated place and see what she could find to shoot. This weekend while she was following a mountain trail she'd come across a natural lookout. Looking out she could see birds high above, floating in the eternal sky.
Setting up her tripod, she set about zooming in, trying to catch the eagles in flight. Engrossed in this, she was suddenly startled when someone cleared their throat behind her. Turning, she found herself facing two men, one in his forties, the other in his early twenties. Father and son from the look of them.
"'pologies, miss," said the older man. "We're out looking for my son, Tommy. He's wandered away from the house again. You haven't seen him have you?"
"No, I'm sorry. Do you need help looking for him? How old is he?"
"No, that's alright, miss. We'll find him. He's twenty and looks like Billy here. If he comes past, will you just tell him his dad said to go home?"
"Certainly." Gwen was quite agreeable, if a bit surprised that they were searching for someone of that age. He'd probably just gone to the village or off to see a friend. She forgot about it and continued with her photography.
About half an hour later she received another interruption.
"Tommy like," said a voice.
Looking up, Gwen had her first meeting with Tommy. If this was the missing Tommy, Gwen couldn't see why the family concern. He was a veritable giant. Well over six foot, and packed with muscle. He was smiling at her.
"You're Tommy," ventured Gwen, and on receiving a happy nod she continued. "Your dad came past. He said to tell you to go home."
"Home?" asked Tommy.
Gwen nodded. "That's right. You're to go home."
Tommy shook his head. "Tommy not want to go home. Tommy stay here." Pointing at Gwen, he added. "Tommy like."
"OK," thought Gwen. "Big as a gorilla and dumber than an ox. That's why they're out looking for him."
Shrugging, Gwen returned to her camera. She'd passed on the message and it wasn't as though she could make him go home. If he hung around, his father or brother would probably be back this way soon and round him up.
Gwen was focusing when she felt a hand stroke her hair.
"Tommy like."
Gwen sighed and straightened.
"That's nice, Tommy," she said, "but you mustn't touch, OK?"
"OK," said Tommy. Then he reached out and patted her hair again. "Nice. Tommy like."
Swearing softly to herself, Gwen realised that she wouldn't be able to work with Tommy there.
"You have to go home now, Tommy," she said persuasively. "Your dad is looking for you and wants you home. You'd better go now."
Tommy smiled and shook his head. "Tommy stay. Tommy like," he said pointing at her.