𝐉𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

MARIE EYED THE SKY NERVOUSLY, the clouds that had been wispy and white that morning were now darker and more dense. She quickened her pace, this was not the day to be caught in a downpour.

"Children! Let's go inside before it rains." She shouted at John's kids as they played outside on Watery Lane.

"Do you think it's going to rain Aunt Marie?" Katie asked as she gazed innocently up towards the woman.

"I don't know darling that's why we have to get inside before it starts to rain and you all get sick." She laughed wrapping the children in blankets as they sat in front of the fire.

"Right, you lot can't go outside but do you want to play a board game?" Marie questioned.

"Yes please." Katie spoke, her eyes lighting up at the idea.

"Right, Simon love, will you go get snakes and ladders please?" Marie spoke softly.

"Alright." He smiled before racing to his bedroom.

The pure black of the night was her comfort, the blanket of generous velvet that kept her safe. So she sat, the fire flashing into existence in a wash of red and yellow sparks. Heat radiating. The crackling of the flames netting the wood echoing throughout the house.

"Now you get to go up the ladder." Marie explained to young Harry who was perched on her knee as they all sat on the floor of the living room.

"Rosie, sweetheart, it's your turn."

"Aunt Marie, when's dad coming home?" Simon wondered as he watched his sister roll the dice.

"Your staying with Pol tonight, I thought your dad told you." Marie was becoming quite concerned.

She knew John loved his children with every fibre of his being. She knew he would do anything for them, but it was difficult. He had never had to deal with the responsibility alone before, it was new to him and she couldn't help but sympathise.

"Haven't seen dad in two days." Katie told her dejectedly.

"We never see him anymore." Harry whispered, burying his head into Maries neck while his arms wrapped around her.

"C'mon, let's take you lot to Pols now, yeah? And if your really good I'll tell her to let you stay up thirty minutes later, alright my loves?"

"Yes Aunt Marie."