First Christmas

- she finishes wrapping it, and places it with the other presents-

It is their first Christmas together, and it is absolutely freezing. There is no money to pay for firewood and what little is left in the fireplace is of no use to them, all burned off end of paper and skinny twigs. So she shivers with a jacket around her, hands shaking as she tries to wrap presents.

What ever money they have left over from Christmas shopping – which isn't much- goes in a jar on top of the highest cupboard, where no one get take it. It is their savings, and they need them desperately.

Christmas doesn't seem as cheerful as she finishes with one present and starts on the next, looking gloomily down at the meager heap. One for her, one for Arthur, one for Fabian, one for Gideon, a few more for their other family, and a small teddy bear for Bill.

She brushes the bear softly, smiling lightly.

She knows Bill will not complain, how can he as he is only a few months old, but she still feels a pang in her heart for the one present she is able to give him. Other, richer families will have a whole stocking-full of presents for their sons and daughters, but poor Bill will only have one.

She shakes her head.

It is the thought that counts, she reminds herself, and you don't need a lot of presents to make Christmas a good time.

Bill will love it.

So she finishes wrapping it, and places it with the other presents.

A cry comes from the cot, and she goes over to greet her son, all red hair and tiny fists, propping the wrapping paper against the wall.

"Happy Christmas William," she whispers, waving his arms around.

He just gurgles in response.

Written for Writing2StayHalfSane over at the Drabble Request at HPPFC. Hope you enjoy it, & reviews are love!