33

Rolling over and seeing the bed empty, I sigh.

I feel raw and wrung out, and not a little embarrassed at my breakdown last night.

I’m glad Chris is already up, most probably in the kitchen preparing to make me breakfast in bed, as usual. The time to myself will give me a moment to collect my thoughts and gather my resolve to face the family.

As I rise I can hear the grandkids clamouring below to open their presents, their parents telling them to, ‘wait for grandma.’

Groaning I move to quickly shower and dress in my festive gear. I’d forgotten how excited young children always were on Christmas morning, and the thought makes me smile.

It doesn’t take me long to pull on my Christmas sweater and jeans and head downstairs, but my smile soon slips as I see who else is waiting by the tree.