It was still dull and overcast but the rain had stopped as she hurried up the road and arrived just before nine. She had taken more care than usual with how she looked and had even gone to the hairdresser on Saturday to get a new style. Irene, her mum, had said it suited her and she hoped John would like it as well. She had been pleased when her mum said that and she knew she was acting like some young girl on a first date, instead of a widow with a young son. As she approached the house, her stomach did a somersault. The house looked to be in darkness but she was relieved when she saw the faint fanlight above the door. She knocked and waited. Something wasn’t right. She knocked again, a bit louder this time, and she also pressed the bell. Suddenly, the door was yanked open and a sleepy-eyed Sonia gazed at her with annoyance. On seeing Edna, she pulled her dressing gown around her. ‘What do you want?’ she said. By this time, Edna was also annoyed that she was still standing on the doorstep.
