It was a lonely walk for Joe back to Osway street, his parents hadn't waited. His pace was slow, he was trying to lengthen the walk to delay the inevitable, his pockets empty. The fine had cleaned him out of the coins on his person and he would have to pay the rest on instalment, when he got a new job. Whenever that would be. He had no wish to be seen or talk to anyone. Perhaps he could run away and join the navy? Or the circus? After a time though he stood on his own step. He sighed heavily.

"Get it over with." he muttered.

The door opened, the house was quiet. Joe thought he saw a flash of Kate peering from a corner, but she too disappeared. He closed the door and came into the main room. His mother and father were both there. Lottie's arms were crossed, her apron white.