Changeover

She glanced at the clock, conscious that time was coming up. Four fifty-five. It was later than she'd thought. Hurriedly, she gathered the children's belongings and placed them in their respective bags. She called out to the children who were still engrossed with the afternoon cartoon on TV. Hurry along now, kids, it's nearly time. Reluctantly, the eldest girl pushed the red button on the remote. The television blacked out with an abrupt click of static electricity. She stood up and rounded up her younger siblings - Ron, 7; Becky, 5 and Sam, 3. Taking Becky and Sam by their hands, she led them through the hallway whilst Ron followed closely behind.

This was the hardest part, when they had to part with their mother. They had to do it every week, but it never got any easier. In fact, she thought that it got more and more difficult as time went by, as her siblings were growing up fast and always asked her why they had to say goodbye so many times. But, at 9, she had figured out a way to make things easier. She thought of her own room in their father's house, and of her big, comfortable bed with all her teddy bears and Sesame Street friends. Not of her stepmother, no, because that only made it worse.

Their mother hugged and kissed the children, tears welling up in her eyes. Goodbye, my loves, I'll see you next week. Be good, and listen to your sister and your father. Mummy loves you very much. She opened the front door and the children filed outside, dragging their feet reluctantly. She looked up and saw their father standing by his car. He was always on time, she reminisced. She could always count on him that way.

Daddy, daddy, can we stay a while longer? We want to watch our cartoons!

Her heart broke into a thousand pieces, once again. No, children, you have to go home now, ok? Dinner is waiting for your at home.

But we want to stay with you, Mummy. Ron and Becky were clinging onto her with a force so gentle that she knew they were saying it with such futility.

She ushered them into the car, trying her hardest not to let them see how torn she was. To their father, she said, 'The communication book is in Ron's bag. Sammy needs to take her meds at 6pm, please don't forget. Becky's gastro is getting better, but please keep an eye out for her, especially at night, ok? Oh, and they didn't get a chance to watch Oliver Twist this weekend, so I bought the DVD and put it into Ron's bag just in case they wanted to watch it during the week.'

'Thanks, Al. I'll bring them back on Friday night. Bye.'

He checked that the doors were all shut, before he stepped into the driver's seat. 'Say goodbye to Mummy now, kids.'

Bye, Mum. I love you, Mum.

Their eldest daughter stared straight ahead, eyes fixated on the road. She bit her lip and clutched at her seatbelt with all her might, refusing to allow the tears to come out.


Take care.