It's astounding what writing this story is making me remember. In a flash it's here, and in a flash it disappears. The door at the bottom of the stairs - locked. My father upstairs in bed, and my mother downstairs hammering at the door. Choking on tea to stop myself choking on tears. That metallic taste of tea and tears.

On a distinctly more light-hearted note, I have reached 40,000 words. Only 10,000 more to go (in five days). !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Virtual cheerleaders apply within.

(Which reminds me of a sign I saw attached to a door of my old high school - Peer counsellors contained within. I spent at least ten minutes laughing at the odd wording.)