Bewilderment and confusion at what had just happened paralysed Joe, but the sight of his mother slumped in a chair, snapped him back to the present and in to action. Rising gently from his chair, he made his way to crouch at her side.

"Mam, I'm sorry. I truly am." he said quietly. It was too early to ask for forgiveness. He ran a hand across her apron. He looked across and Kate had magically reappeared.

"Here's your spoon" she said softly, offering up the implement like a culinary olive branch.