Mother sat on edge of bed, hands clasping child’s in hers.

Sad eyes look up, tears threatening to erupt.

“Don’t cry my darling,” Mother says.

“Just try to get yourself ready for bed.”

Nothing prepared her for something like this, years taken like snow on the wind.

“Try and get some sleep beautiful,” Mother places a kiss on daughter’s forehead.

A sniffle is the reply.

“You know my darling?” Ears prick up.

“Diamonds are beautiful, but they are also strong, and daddy would want you to be strong wouldn’t he?”

“Daddy is gone…” came a quiet response.

“No darling daddy is here.” Mother places a hand on her daughter’s heart.

“It’s going to be hard, but we’re going to keep going aren’t we? You and me, a team.”

A gentle nod.

“Now get some sleep beautiful, and I’ll see you in the morning.”

As Mother leaves room and heads to her own, she sees the gloom of a bed once safe and warm. Now cold and silent as the tears come.