‘Who fancies fish and chips?’

Richard was jumping up and down with sheer excitement and even Cherie looked keen. They walked away together as a family.

As they neared the cemetery gates, Gabby looked back to where her brother lay alone. Just for a few seconds in the autumn sunshine she thought she saw her, Cynthia, standing by his grave. She looked lost, unhappy, sorry. Gabby knew it was a trick of the light, but somehow it made her feel better. So she closed her eyes and said quietly, ‘Goodbye, Mum.’

Then, smiling, she followed her husband and kids to the car.