He went upstairs to find her and found her in the top most room in the attic. Lying on the bed. He didn’t know what to say. How to make her feel any better. Did she even understand? He didn’t know what to say, how to explain it.

He didn’t need to know. As soon as the little girl saw him at the door she ran and hugged him. It was instant. She trusted him, above all people she trusted him to take care of her. It was a strange feeling for him. He had known this child her whole life, watched her grow up, but he wasn’t a parent. He was scared. He was thrown into a position that made him feel anxious, caring.

He sat on the bed with her and he realised that she was so small, so innocent. She curled herself up with her teddy and went very quiet.

“Mummy is gone isn’t she” He looked at her, she must be very astute to realise this at such a young age.

“Yes Lou, she is”. He said, cradling her in his arms.