Iniuria non excusat iniuriam - Injustice does not justify injustice.
"E! I've been waiting and waiting for you. Mummy said you were coming, and I waited with Mrs. Gray from next door, and she said to be patient, but I said my brother is coming, so I jumped up and down and she said I had to sit, but I don't know why I had to sit, because I was excited."
Joycie throws her arms around him and they are thrown backward onto the sofa. Her enthusiasm elicits a grunt and a reluctant smile from Endeavour, yet he has no words. It is the first time he has smiled since his mother was admitted to hospital a month ago. No, he thinks, he hasn't smiled for longer than that.
"E, why aren't you hugging me? How long are you here for? E? E? E?"
Gwen calls from the kitchen. "Dove, what are you on about? Leave the boy alone and have a wash up. It's time for tea. You, too, boy."
Endeavour stands, following Gwen's order, and seven year old Joycie chatters as she slips her hand into his.
