The sun was beating down and the warm summer atmosphere had enticed the Ormerod family outside for the day; some quality time together. They'd chosen to go to the Local Park and field for a picnic. It wasn't something they did regularly but both Jill and Gordon had come to realise they should relish any spare time they could spend with their two children. Gordon was still feeling slightly cut off from the world, still not able to fully accept their son's death but willing to try and move on. Jill on the other hand was trying her hardest to move on and look to the future, but still had her up and down days.
'Dad can we play football now?' Begged Tom eagerly
'Woah; just a minute son. Let me finish my lunch first!' Replied his father, still eating his squared cheese sandwich.
'Hurry up!' Urged Tom, throwing his ball across the playing field and running after it
'I'll be there in a minute...' Gordon's voice trailing off as he son ran out of hearing range
'Come on then Gordon. Show us your FANTASTIC football skills.' Laughed Jill, teasing her husband
'Alright, alright! You can go and play with him if you fancy?' He added sarcastically
'I don't think so. Nope. We all want to see your amazing tackling skills' Placing a hand on top of his and smiling, a sense of happiness amongst them
'Are you coming Katie?' Asked Gordon, getting up out the floor and walking over to his son
'No thanks, I'm not very good at playing football.'
'We'll stay here won't we darling' Chipped in Jill, stroking her step-daughter's hair.
After a short pause, both Jill and Katie watching the two men, Katie spoke 'Jill... I love you'
Jill looked at lovingly, feeling nothing but a maternal emotion for the girl sat in front of her 'And I love you too sweetheart' Hugging her tightly.
'Dad's happy again isn't he?'
'Yes, yes I think he is.'
'What would Jonathon have been like Jill?'
After a short pause she replied 'He'd have been a great little boy, you mark my words. And he'd have loved you and Tom lots. If he'd of been anything like you two we'd have been blessed. But he's watching over us and looking after us.'
'And I'd of loved him too' Added Katie, smiling.
It was clear the children were aware of their brother's absence from their life, but the circumstances in which he died to them were unknown. And the impact of his death wasn't as great, after all they were just children.