Our double buggy teetered with gifts as my husband Ian and I lifted it off the train onto the platform. ‘It’s got more presents than Santa’s sleigh,’ I said, laughing as I stifled a yawn. It was 8 pm on Christmas Eve 2019 and after visiting relatives, Ian, then 39, and I were keen to get home. But bouncing excitedly around our feet, our kids Penny, four, and Casper, two, showed no signs of flagging. Even Rufus, then 20 months, just visible under piles of glittery paper, was still babbling away. ‘Will we see Rudolph?’ Penny grinned, skipping along. ‘You never know,’ I smiled.
Out on the street, we started the 10-minute walk home. I spotted a couple of rowing in a nearby bus shelter but paid little attention, desperate to get home and get the kids to Ebed, and thinking about the presents I was yet to wrap. Suddenly, I heard a sickening thud. 'What was that?' I gasped, turning to Ian. Only, he wasn't there.
Then I saw a man unconscious on the pavement a few yards behind me and heard people shouting for help, forming a = circle around him. It was lan. Heaving our laden pram around in a panic, I ran with the children toward him. 'Somebody hit him, one man told me, as I dropped to my knees beside Ian. A kind woman took my pram, steering it away and distracting Penny and Casper with Christmas chatter. I heard her ask the children what Santa was bringing them, as the sound of sirens echoed and I stared down at my husband. I'm here, I whispered.
His eyes opened, but he stared straight ahead, making a stomach-churning gurgling sound. There was no blood, but he quickly closed his eyes again and I knew he wasn't aware of what was going on.
Denne historien er fra November 07, 2022-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
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Denne historien er fra November 07, 2022-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on the gender gap, cats and timed hugs
Check out CHICAGO
With a spectacular skyline, sandy beaches and great food, the Windy City is calling, says Zoe West
LET'S EMBRACE OUR CHRISTMAS TAT!
Becky Dickinson explains why she'll still be rocking around her tinsel-strewn tree this year
BURIED SECRETS
We look at the shocking cases of celebrities posthumously accused of being sexual predators-and how they got away with it
FESTIVE NO-BAKES
Pop on the Christmas tunes and whip up a batch of these easy sweet treats
PROTECT YOUR SMILE
Are you doing enough to look after your teeth and gums?
'TIS THE SEASON TO SHINE!
At last, Hayley McCrossan, 39, feels fit and healthy
FOR THE LOVE OF TOM
When Deborah Mitchell, 57, lost her son, she vowed to help other families facing the same heartbreak
THE NURSE WHO LEFT MY GRANDAD FOR DEAD belict
Rachael Fealey, 31, had one question for the woman who killed her beloved Grampa - how could you?
Coleen's MONEY WORRIES
What are the reasons behind her financial and marriage fears?