THE LIVING FLAME 

By Tessa Harvey


    The woman sighed heavily. "Sorry I have done this all wrong. Could we go inside - there's a warm family room available. I could show you and explain everything."
    Daniel was angry, but also bewildered. Ernst and Daria they were in a bad dream, but a strange reality was intruding. The little girl spoke up, sounding very young for her age. 
    "I very badly need the toilet. And I am really hungry and cold." She began to cry silently, hopelessly.
    Daniel got out of the car. Somehow he carried Daria and held Ernst by his hand, firmly. "Show us where to go and the toilets, please." No longer angry, he seemed almost distraught, struggling to contain his emotions - a man undone.
    Lucy led the way, opening the house door wide, light streaming out. She showed Daria the toilet for Ladies and pointed out the Gents.
    Ernst and his dad went inside and the woman went to the kitchen. She heated hot water for drinks and bowls of simmering stew for all of them - more than enough.
    The four ate and drank then looked to Lucy. "I fell in the woods. A travelling family found me barely living. All memory had gone because of a head wound. My name, my past was lost....you all were lost to me until a few days ago!"


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