HIDDEN TREASURES 

By Tessa Harvey


    Alice noticed Jess was looking a little stressed and and definitely lost some weight. Sighing, she stifled her own feelings and reached out to the young woman she had first met when the child was five years old.
    Jess hugged her grandmother, noting the sadness despite her usual warm smile. It was sunny and warmer now they were nearer the coast, but the wind was still bitter.
    "Let's go home," the older woman declared. "Our old station wagon is just near the corner. I'll drive round and help with luggage."
    "Don't rush," called Jess, laughing a little. Her grandmother, Alice was almost beyond earshot already, scurrying along, blue coat flapping.
Later, over warm crumpets Jess asked "May I call you by your given name, Mops, it's just...."
    ...."that you have serious things to discuss" finished Alice, understandingly. Change was always inevitable, but Alice also had serious issues to share - issues that needed explaining.


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