I am watching television in the lounge-cum-dining room of our bungalow. I am still replaying in my head the events of earlier. I hear Moody walk along... the path and then slip her key into the front door. I wonder what kind of mood she is in – not good if the past few days are to go by. She puts her head round the lounge door and cheerily greets me: ‘Hi, you look very relaxed with your feet up… your little break from work seems to be doing you good – you’ve got some colour back in your cheeks…. We just said goodnight and went to bed. I wasshattered. Went off as soon as my head hit the pillow." She didn'tsound very convincing. Sarah was still looking at her pad feelingmiserable."Good. By the way, you don't fancy coming to London with me tomorrow doyou. I've got a spare theatre ticket could do with cheering up?" No sorry, I promised Mum we would go shopping together in theafternoon and then we are going out for the evening with my Aunt who'sstaying over."She felt even more depressed now. Stapleton give you my letter on Friday after I left?"Me " Yes, I did and thank you for writing that, it was great especially after you had to leave so quickly" I smiled.Sally " And did you follow my instructions?" She asked giggling a bit.Me " Yes, Sal, I relieved Mr Stapleton as you requested" Sally " Oh, well done, Rob!" she gave me a big kiss. " And how about the £25k I got at the auction" she said " amazing isn't it?"Me " Incredible,Sal, I was shocked Saul could afford to pay that to have. Edward reverted back to his quiet self, not saying much but keeping a guiding hand on her back. The two couples parted ways and Edward accompanied Catherine home. Snow lazily drifted from the sky and Catherine thought she had never been so lonely before.Edward walked her up the stoop but called her name softly before she could push open the door. She turned and waited for him to speak, shivering from the cold and something else, something blacker and colder than any December night. Flakes.