DAWN WILL RISE 

By Tessa Harvey

    Six weeks later, the whole family gathered together. Sam and Molly, Mark's quiet, busy parents were hosting the party for Rose and Dawn's very first birthday. David and Simon were not jealous. They had had big parties also in recent times and David was now a keen soccer player, much in demand at school by the other boys.
    Simon, almost ready for Kinder basked in the reflected glow of a party - everything a child could wish for laid out, looking yummy and momentarily unscathed.
    Healthy veges and fruit, pretty sprinkle-bread, jelly ( beautiful and lit with ruby-light) and plain water for all the children - less mess. 
    Jan was there, and Ella's friend from next door, Sally, both happy to see four squirming children. Their presence was indispensable.
    Ella's parents, Gavin and Esther arrived a little flushed and breathless from hiding small gifts around the house and secure garden, bright with golden marigolds.
    When the cake came in, carried by a happier Mark, though he still struggled, the twins were hoisted to stand on small chairs with lots of support from the adults.
    Their faces were solemn, their eyes on the mesmerising candlelight.

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