Out there, beyond my door, there was a lot that needed to be done. But I wasn’t ready to leave them; not yet. If I had my way they’d never leave my sight again.

But in order to protect them, to keep them safe, I’ll have to leave them at some point soon; too soon. I looked down at her face and saw the tiredness there. I’d kept her up too long.

“You should get some rest love. You’ve had a long trying day.” I eased her down onto the pillow with my son still held in ...