Johns POV

Three days and she hasn't left the room.

If the door is open from the kids walking in I can see her beside the window, forehead pressed against it. The children are polite and quiet and look after their mum, she needs to wake up from the torment she is in and get back into living.

I'm a fine one to talk, mainly living like a hermit while in recovery, the furthest I have walked was the day I followed 'magic' to the refuge, and the drive to get her from that library, the most I had driven.

We both need to live again.

"Kids, breakfast, come and get it" While Stephen and Jasmine have been eating, it's the amount which is a concern, a sparrow would eat more. Being a stranger, and in that strangers house, they must think they are an imposition.

"Well what's on the agenda today people?!" I'll try a different approach. "What about a walk and ice-cream sundaes all around! Sound good?" Three pairs of ears prick up and Sean starts chattering, madly telling Jas and Stephen what flavours he likes, they join the conversation but hold back most of the enthusiasm.

"Sean could you go and get dressed, brush your teeth please"

"Right Jasmine, more juice? Stephen?"

"Yes please" I top up their juice and sit back down. Leaning forward I smile, I'm pretty scary I know, but I want to be their friend.

"It's been great having you guys here, Sean is having lots of fun. I want you both to know our house is your house, whatever you need or want just ask. So, no worrying about ice-cream sundaes I want to treat you, alright!?"

"Yes sir, Mr Lennon"

"John, or if you don't like that, I could be uncle John perhaps or maybe a nickname -nothing nasty though you'll hurt my feeling!" I tickled Jasmine and she is giggling away. Stephen, I think, is considering my words.

"Mr umm John err. It's very nice of you but I think I will stay with my mum. Jas you can go" Stephen patted his sister on the back for her to go then as he went to stand to leave the kitchen he murmured. "May I leave the table?"

"Stephen come here mate. Now you and I both want your mum to come out of the room, don't we? Do you have any ideas? Should I go in, do you think she will talk to me?"

I'm asking a 10 year old but his face shows years of experience on this subject. "And.... I would really love it if you come out for the ice-cream, we can tell mum we will only be a little while."

Stephen considered me, his face solemn and determined. "I think you could talk to her she always makes sure we are being polite and helping you when she talks to us. May I go get dressed, I'll help Sean clean his room too."

"Yeah mate, you too Jas, off you go luv. Let Sean clean his own room though. I'll take mum a drink and some toast." Stephen nods and heads out.

"Knock, knock, any one home? I brought you some toast and tea." I pause in the doorway and just walk over to her after 30 seconds or so placing the food on the table beside her. She is up on the chair now still gazing out the window.

"Thank-you very much" Well a start. Magic turns slightly in the chair and lifts the tea off the table. I plonk down on the bed. I feel like a naughty school boy in my parent's room when I shouldn't be.

"John I'm sorry I've been a burden. You're a big star and you've being side tracked with my miniscule problems. You must have places to go, people to see. I promise I will get up today and go to the refuge, they should have a room if I'm early"

"NO!" I jump up and pace the carpet trying to put all my concerns into words but everything I think of will just sound stupid and upset her more. So, I go with the more direct and concise Lennon route "NO"

"NO? are you mad?! Or am I a pet project for you. You're bored, need a diversion? We might as well be strangers. I'm a trespasser for crying out loud!"

"Bloody hell NO. Don't be daff! I don't know why. I just know I want you safe... and safe is here." She considers my words then looks at me like I'm deranged "You're looking at me like I have two heads!"

"Why though? Mr big-shot"

"Don't say shot to me, I get nervous!" I laugh out loud and she grins ruefully.

"Sorry. You're 100% now aren't you?" She nods, pointing at my shoulder that I favour at times.

I look at the plate and raise my eyebrows "Got you to eat something! It's a miracle!" I whoop it up and a grin lights up her face. A splash of sunshine that should be seem more often "That's more like it. You have a great smile don't forget you have it, luv. It might fall off your face"

A shirt is thrown at me and she softens a little more. Another smile, I don't think I could live without them now either.

"Look I promised the kids ice-cream, how about I honour my promise; you take a shower, a bath perhaps, keep that plaster dry though. And when we come back we can have a late lunch and chat on the balcony, get some sun on you"

Sam nods slowly and reaches to get her clothes from her bag "Put the clothes in a drawer too!" I then start to head out the door.

"John. Could you please...." I stop and return. Sam is standing now and holds my eyes with hers, holding the plastic waterproof cover out for me to attach around her plaster, I help her and walk out again to find the kids.

Progress.