in the morning light [g.r]

epilogue - new normal

"Come on girls, it can't be that hard to get ready!" George called as he wheeled into the hallway where Abi sat lacing up Nova's trainers, Devon sat at the front door patiently wagging his tail. Nova giggled and writhed about, kicking her feet and making it almost impossible to knot them. Abi reminded herself to get Velcro shoes when she outgrew these ones; it would sure save a lot of time and effort.

"Someone is being naughty!" Abi said with a smile, tickling her daughter's sides as she finally did up the laces. Nova screeched a giggle and then made grabby hands for George. "Come on then, over to daddy we go."

"Hi Daddy!" Nova giggled as she cuddled into George's chest. Abi laced up her boots and grabbed her coat from the hook. The weather was still cool for late March, the warm spring air yet to creep in.

She knew it wouldn't be long until they would be able to go out and explore in the muddy fields around their new home, explore the mounds of bluebells and daffs. It would be Nova's first real spring, too young to remember last year's. They had already planned their grand Easter egg hunt, Lando having bought himself a bunny costume. The couple were sceptical about allowing their best friend to be the entertainment and hop around their garden with Nova, but she was so obsessed with him that they knew it would go swimmingly.

They left the bungalow and Abi unlocked the car, strapping Nova into her car seat and then helping George into the passenger seat, kissing his forehead as he did up his belt, then plopping Devon on his lap before folding up his chair and putting it into the boot.

They were still getting used to the height of the new car, needing something big enough for George's chair whilst also not being so far from the ground he couldn't get in. Toto had managed to arrange a custom fit Merc for them, specially named the GWR. He had insisted it was a birthday present and was quick to knock back any suggestion of the two paying him back. I get to hang out with my little superstar, that is enough. He had promised, bouncing Nova on his knee as she giggled and threw about the bear he had brought back from Austria.

Once they were all strapped in they headed for London, Abi tapping her hands against the wheel as they sang along to the children's songs they had heard a million times before. It was worth it to hear Nova laugh and try and sing along in time with the tunes, Devon joining in with the occasional wail. The journey wasn't too tiresome, and one they did a lot, but it always seemed ten times longer when their darling daughter got grouchy. It was usually around Reading when she would plead for a snack and Abi would have to pull into the services to fish something out of the baby bag for her to eat.

She was, otherwise, the perfect child. She had been born a day early with thick tuffs of black hair and almost translucent skin, the picture of a baby Snow White. She had fed well, stayed healthy, and was already picking up phrases here and there that built on the standard toddler vocabulary of "Mummy I'm hungry" and "Daddy, I need wee". They were in awe of her and every moment, even the sleepless nights, had been a blessing to spend with her.

They reached their first stop a few minutes late, Lando coming to the door to get out his niece while Abi sorted out George's chair. Nova was already cooing and giggling as Lando rocked her about and kissed her, taking her little hand as they teetered off into the churchyard with Devon chasing behind them. George huffed his way into his wheelchair and Abi helped to buckle him in, getting her bag from the boot and then ready to go.

They were quiet as they headed for the other two, their laughter and squeaking all the sound they needed. They soon reached them, Abi stopping George's chair just next to the damp gravel so she could get the bits they needed from her bag. She laid the flowers first and then performed the usual ritual of wiping down the headstone.

"Why don't you tell Papa what you learnt at playgroup this week." George suggested, watching his daughter sit down on the damp grass at his feet and pet Devon gently. Lando helped by sweeping stray stones back onto the grave, giving Abi a small smile as he did. It was a hard day for all of them, but Nova could brighten up even the darkest moments.