Rose smiled thankfully, gave him a hug, and then burst into tears again.

Damn periods.

Elijah blinked and patted her back softly to try to comfort her. "It'll be ok.. I will do all I can to make it ok."

Rose pulled away and wiped her tears. "Thanks Elijah... I should go home to make sure the boys get to school." They had skipped before, and if they crossed the line now, with all that was going on, father would explode.

The constable nodded with a small smile. "Go. I'll get him there, don't you worry. I will talk to you later. Stay safe."

Rose gave him one last smile and hurried off.

By that time, Simon was dressed and stood in the kitchen, preparing tea and trying to make himself useful.

Elijah looked over. "You didn't have to do that." He smiled weakly and took out the cream and some sugar for him to take what he wanted. He started to make him some porridge for breakfast. "Sit and eat."

"I can help..." he said uneasily. When he had brought the tea to the table, he started folding up the blanket. "Can we... please never talk again about last night?"

Elijah looked at him curiously. "Didn't I already say I would never bring it up unless you wanted me to? You know I sympathize.. I do not want to make things difficult for you more than they are."

Simon nodded. "Yeah... sorry."