Proserpina

We flew out of the US in a week’s time.

The children had been subdued, not really understanding what was happening. I sat them down and explained that I needed to work for a while in Japan. That it was important for me. Ria interrupted me, her lower lip thrust out and quivering, her little face hot and pink.

‘Why can't you work from here? Like you used to?’

And then, her eyes glittering as the tears spilt, she went on, on a half sob, “I want my ...