George watched in admiration as Sarah walked away with Tommy. Her coat was open and he could see that the dress she was wearing came from his stall. Her hair was pulled into a ponytail that swung from side to side as she walked. As always, he thought she looked stunning. As she disappeared, though he wasn’t happy about her not feeling safe in her own home, he couldn’t help but be overjoyed at the thought of her staying in his house. He’d also noticed that she hadn’t once looked towards Roger’s stall, which added to his joy.

Tommy was tucked in George’s bed, and was sleeping soundly after she’d given him a couple of spoonfuls of the cough syrup. He’d protested and baulked at the taste, but it had seemed to ease his coughing. She sat at the kitchen table and sipped a cup of hot tea. What a day, she thought to herself, feeling worn out.

Sarah rested her elbow on the table and with her chin in her hand, she wondered when it would be safe to return home, if only to collect the rest of their belongings. Samuel had yielded to Mo’s pleas about going into hiding for a while, and they had left to go and stay in a hotel. Samuel hadn’t been keen on breaking into their savings to pay for it, and had insisted they would return home in a few days. He’d refused to change his mind about moving to a new house, and though Sarah could see his point, thinking his stance was both brave and admirable, she had Tommy to think about. His well-being had to come first. She wasn’t sure she’d still feel safe living in the house; after all, she’d already had a brick thrown through the window.

It wouldn’t be easy to find new accommodation. With buying things for their room, along with food and clothes, she hadn’t had the chance to save any money yet. She’d need enough to pay more than a week or two’s rent in advance, and many landlords were reluctant to accept a single mother, though she was working now and felt sure Lena would provide her with a good reference.

She leaned back in the chair, deep in her thoughts. She would never have expected to find herself being labelled an unmarried or single mother, but with Tommy now calling her Mum, no one would believe he was her brother. She was becoming accustomed to receiving disapproving looks from strangers, but didn’t mind. Stuff what other people think, she thought to herself, and hoped Tommy would soon be on the mend.

Lena arrived home to hear George laughing heartily and when she walked into the kitchen, she was surprised to see him and Sarah sitting at the kitchen table tucking into the pie and mashed potatoes she’d prepared earlier.