A CHILD'S PLEA

"Daddy please! Stay here - Mummy needs you, we both do."

An almost new Mercedes sat parked, its motor running.

"I can't look after her by myself... m'only ten years old."

Michael gazed sadly at his son. Seeing such heartbreak etched across those boyish features, he hesitated, then killed the engine.

Peter scampered forward into his father's arms. "Never leave us... promise me. "

"Scout's honor." Lifting him effortlessly. "Come on inside - hopefully for keeps this time."

Without thinking, Samantha rushed outside, crying, unashamedly smothering each of them with kisses. "Forgiven?"

"Just one last chance," a young voice admonished, amidst tearful laughter.