Caroline had looked to Joseph from time to time as he mowed to check up on him. She had relished the cold from the fridge as she removed some fresh orange juice, glasses clinking in her hands as her attention moved to arranging biscuits. He deserved something nice. She thought he was doing a rather good job; and it was nice to have a young presence around, she couldn’t have her own children after all. It almost made the place feel lighter. She certainly missed the times before Tommy left for the war. When he wasn’t a shell of who he used to be.

When the roar of the mower could no longer be heard, she called out to him.

‘After that amazing work, you must have worked up an appetite. Get out of that sun and sit under the house. I’ll be down in a moment with some refreshments.’

‘Eat up those biscuits, there’s plenty more.’ She caught Joseph’s smile. He seemed like a very polite boy, and very respectful of others. Quiet too. However, she knew that was normal behaviour for children when talking to adults. Her brother and she had been the same. She had also caught his uneasy glances at the house earlier too, like something was going to jump out and attack him. Or someone. His fear could’ve only stemmed from one thing. Mrs Mossop.

That darn woman! Mossop couldn’t keep her nose where it belonged. And couldn’t stop badmouthing a man she’d never met. Tommy was a lovely man. A bit quiet now, yes. That was normal behaviour after what he’d been through. But there was nothing wrong with that. He was harmless really. Caroline didn’t really mind either; they balanced each other out well. He was reserved, and she was more sociable. But they were able to have thoughtful conversations with one another, even if it was just what there were having for dinner. He doesn’t deserve to be treated like a psychopath ready to crack.

Joseph stayed quiet, never initiating conversation. The silence was starting to get almost unbearable. Despite her brother’s quiet nature, Caroline was used to some type of noise throughout the house, at least footsteps or muttering. And it almost seemed wrong for a child to be so still and silent. Children were loud and boisterous, uncaring of their words and actions. Even Tommy wasn’t this bad when they were children, and he was a quiet child.

The silence had barely stretched on for a minute, and she already starting to get desperate. She could never deal with silence, never wanted to. She’d had enough of that when Tommy had left. The empty rooms, the only sounds wind moving through trees and everyday street noise. Caroline supressed a shiver. She always did what she could to avoid reminders of the time when Tommy wasn’t here. It still haunted her.

What did she know about that related to Joseph… ah, his father. ‘Have you heard from your dad recently? Where is he this time? New Guinea is it?’

‘Bougainville.’

‘That’s right. I bet he’d be driving some big machinery up there – a bit different from the council job I imagine.’

‘I guess so.’

‘How long has it been now – six months? It must be a bit hard on you and your mum with him gone most of the year. You must miss him.’ Joseph had avoided Caroline’s eyes and nodded. She didn’t know why, but something must’ve happened between Joseph and his dad. It almost seemed like he didn’t miss him at all. Of course, it wasn’t her place to pry. She would leave that to Mrs Mossop.