FourteenVicky gently nudged Jasper, trying to coax him from his slumbers. Wednesday's weather had followed on from Tuesday's, low clouds pressing close to the land. “Come on, Jaspy. It's time to get up for school.” She watched him for a moment, the rise and fall of his chest steady. “Jasper. Come on, love. It's time to get up.”
Another nudge, slightly more forceful stirred him. His eyes opened, lids slowly blinking. “Mummy?”
“Yes, love. Are you okay?”
“I don't feel very well. My tummy hurts,” he lied.
“Oh no,” his mother said, touching his brow. She was relieved to see that he wasn't running a temperature. “Do you want to stay home today? I can call the school and let them know.”
“Yes, please, Mummy. Can I lie in bed for a bit? I'm really tired.”
“Sure. I'll telephone the school. Do
