The little family have been trudging to the park daily now, for a week. A sandwich and an apple to share.

Sam had a new job at an all-night drug store or chemist (that's what she calls them) three days a week, so, as the children played, she would guiltily settle under a nearby shady tree and doze. Well, try and doze.

Stephen and Jasmine loved playing in the park but they loved it better to snuggle with their mummy.

Sams POV

"Mummy this is Sean, he's five" Stephen introduced the little boy who hid behind Jasmine.

"Hello there, I suppose you know Stephen and Jasmine very well now. I've seen you all having lots of fun!"

Sean vigorously shook his head but didn't say a peep.

"Mummy can we have our apple now" I gave them the apple which was in quarters " OK I don't mind you sharing BUT you have to ask Sean's mum or dad if he is allowed some alright. And remember your manners"

"Yes mummy" and with that they scooted off to the far side of the park. A man sat reading a paper on the bench. I squinted as the 3 children ran up to him but I couldn't hear them. He shook his head in the positive and they all took off to play again.

"Mummy, Mummy! Here's the core mummy" I must have dozed off.

"Thank you, Jas" I ate the leftovers - waste not want not.

Over those few hours they played and played. Every time I opened my eyes they were racing about or climbing all over the playground equipment.

Energy, I wish I had that much.

A yelp arose from close to me. Sean had fallen on his knees and was bleeding slightly on one, the other knee red. I dashed up to him and knelt down with my water bottle.

"Oh dear, lets fix you up ok huny" Sean's tear filled eyes looked worried. I glanced up to see his dad sauntering over but he was still a fair way off.

"Its ok Sean my mummy is a good fixer of knees" Stephen was a good big brother and did the same with Sean, patting him on his shoulder.

"I sprinkle the water and flutter the sore away, flutter flutter flutter" I tipped the cool liquid on his knee gently and with my fingers I pretended they were butterflies, fluttering away, taking the soreness with them. I repeated this twice then tickled him a little, he smiled and laughed out loud.

"Hahahaha I'm fixed, you're magic!" Sean beamed at me.

"Hey, get away from my son!!" Sean's dad hurled his voice across the last remaining metres causing me to flinch away.

I scooted back quickly and returned to my spot under the tree.

"Sean, are you alright? I heard you crying" The father sat down at the bottom of the slide with Sean, his back to me. Stephen and Jasmine stood beside Sean, upset with the yelling that had just occurred.

"I'm ok daddy. I'm all better, Jas and Stephen's mummy are magic!!" He smiled "She made my sore pain fly away like butterflies!"

"Is magic. Is magic, Sean. Hmmm you come to me when you get hurt ok. No one else. Look son daddy is still a bit upset about being hurt himself remember."

"Yes Daddy" Sean said sadly "But you didn't need to scare her daddy" Sean pointed towards the lady. Jasmine and Stephen nodding in unison with Sean.

"I suppose it was rude of me" John looked at the three children and all three nodded solemnly. "Look at me berated by toddlers"

"I'm not a toddler, sir!!" Stephen riled up, then Jasmine, then Sean, added that he was a big boy too.

Dad stood up and turned towards the woman that had made his son smile. She was lying on a duffle bag a hand over her eyes again. Dad raised a questioning eyebrow which Stephen saw.

"Mummy worked all night, she's having a nap" Stephen whispered quietly and the little girl, Jas put a finger to her lips.

"I'll thank her later then"

The dad walked back to his bench. He never thanked her that week. But did do some investigating finding out some information that made him concerned.

*************

Johns POV

"Come on Sean hurry up" I took Sean's hand and walked slowly round the building, it was  five pm. Maybe I shouldn't have brought Sean, if he sees the kids he'll call for them. Then she will see me.

I found out there were no new tenants, I didn't 'dob' her in to security though, as she wasn't hurting anyone, and her children were both well mannered, not hooligans, and not asking for autographs either.

'Arrr There she is, I'll walk over here under the awning'

Talking to yourself again Lennon, you really are cracking up.

As they meandered through the busy city streets you couldn't help but relate the little family to a procession of mother duck and her ducklings. The kids both held her shirt one either side not to get lost, the duffle bag which looked full and heavy attached like a backpack now- slung over both of her shoulders to equal the load. The shirt was the same one as yesterday, same as the kids.

She slowed to a stop and glanced into the bakery window she then pointed out a few treats but didn't go inside to buy. Before walking on she paused and looked about the area.

We rounded another corner and Sean was complaining, he didn't see the others, so was bored with my whole James Bond routine.

She stopped as I thought about packing it in. A martini did sound nice.... She took off her duffle bag and began making sure the kids were presentable.

They then ascended a set of stairs and disappeared inside.

HELL'S KITCHEN WOMAN'S REFUGE

I suddenly felt sick and guilty for following the little family.

The shared apple, the one sandwich at the swings.

The Dakota was her refuge from the refuge. Obviously on hard times living in a temporary room which could disappear in an instant. She was by herself with two children... struggling to survive.