The Christmas DELIVERY

The mid-winter sky was a steel grey, heavy with the promise of snow. The black and white landscape, product of a deep frost, was only enlivened by the bright coats, scarves and hats worn by Jen and her two little girls, who were walking down the country lane.

Their breath hung in the chilly air as they chatted happily.

‘We’re almost home now,’ said Jen. ‘Who’d like some hot chocolate by the fire?’

‘We would, Mummy! We could have pink marshmallows on top,’ replied the children, jumping up and down with anticipation.

‘Of course,’ Jen smiled. ‘And I will have some white marshmallows on mine.’

twinkled Lights glowing in , the firelight

But as they carried on along the lane towards the cottage, Jen sighed inwardly. It was such a pretty house, and this would be their first Christmas in it, but things hadn’t worked out as planned. Here they were, two days before Christmas, and it was just the three of them.

Jen was trying