BROKEN Wings

With their precious angel gone, who would watch over the family this Christmas?

My back was turned when the glass hit the floor. The sound of it froze me in position, bent over the last box of decorations. The gasp that followed confirmed my worst fear.

Reluctantly, I turned to face the damage and my heart sank as I took in the wingless figure, the missing pieces shattered all around it.

‘Oh Mum, I’m so sorry!’ Amber’s voice drew my gaze to her face, which crumpled instantly at the sight of my expression.

The angel had been my wedding present from her father. She’d sat proudly at the top of the tree every year since. And for the past few years, had been a comforting reminder to never let go of our Christmas spirit, no matter how hard it was to carry on without him.

‘Can we fix her?’ Amber asked in a tiny voice, though she already knew the answer. I reached down and lifted her up off her knees.

‘Don’t try to pick it up, the pieces are too small. Besides, don’t you need to be somewhere soon? I’ll clear this up.’ ‘But I can’t go out now.’ ‘Of course you can. Go and wipe away those tears – you don’t want to keep him waiting.’