Chapter 4: Silent Night
Christmas Eve
Almost on cue close to midnight, it began to snow in the fields surrounding the village. The snow fell on the narrow country lanes and village rooftops. Snowflakes brushed the top of the lych-gate and left a fine dusting on the stone walkway leading to the churchyard cemetery. The fine white particles clung to tree branches and bushes, and collected on the steepled roof of the clock tower, and on the High Street pavements and nearby roadways.
Inside the cottage on Mulberry Lane, Caroline and Cyril lay together in bed. Samson’s head and paws rested comfortably on Cyril’s feet while Delilah slept between them on her back, content and peaceful, and perhaps counting her sheep as Caroline often imagined.
“Soon we’ll have five of us. That’s a good numbe
