It was a dark, cold evening; Jill, Tom and Katie were huddled up on the sofa with the fire roaring watching a classic film off their black and white TV. Gordon was still at work, it had become a regular occurrence since Jonathon's death. It made life easier for the two of them, the less thay had to communicate the easier life became.
'Jill, you know dad?' Piped up Tom
'Yes, I do know dad. Why?' Replied Jill, watching her step-son carefully
'Well... He's a bit strange isn't he Jill?'
'How do you mean strange?'
'He's never at home-...'
'And then when he is he just sits in his chair on his own!' Katie butted in, finishing off her brothers sentence.'
Jill paused for a moment, thinking carefully about how to finish the conversation without worrying the children 'It's very busy at work at the moment you see and I expect he's just a bit tired. Like when you go to school and do a lot of work.'
Tom thought about this for several seconds and then out of nowhere said 'Is he sad?'
'Sad about what Tom?'
'About Jonathon of course.'
'Tom shut up!' Urged Katie, realising the topic might upset Jill
'I suppose he is. When somebody dies Tom it takes a long time to feel better again. Just like when your mum died, you were sad for a while weren't you? But I'm sure dad will cheer up again very soon'
'Are you sad Jill?'
'I'll always be sad, I've lost my son; just like I'd be sad if I lost one of you. But having you with me makes things better. We can't cry forever though' explained Jill, her eyes prickling with tears.
'I love you Jill' Whispered Tom, leaning his head against her ribs again and concentrating on the film
'I love you too' she replied 'and I love you as well Katie' Holding onto her step children tighter and kissing their heads. So they were more aware of Gordon's behaviour then she'd first thought. And they too were aware of the absence of a brother they'd never got to meet. She felt lucky to have them in her life but the pain of losing Jonathon still shone through.