Rose coughed while keeping her hand in her mouth. She looked at Claude stubbornly. A blonde girl of about six entered followed by Father. "Hi Claude!" She said. Then mother brought the food to the table. "You can put her back down, Claude love." She said. "Come sit."

"Hi" he smiled back, moving the babe to his other arm. He then did what he was told and sat at the table.

When they all sat, father said a prayer. Maggie squeezed her eyes real tight. Simon on the other hand looked at the food and then pulled a face at Rose, who was watching him and Claude. The girl burst into giggles, and Simon quickly closed his eyes and tried to look pious.

Claude didn’t pray but he did close his eyes in respect for the family. Hearing the girl giggle, he simply held a finger to his mouth to silence her.

When they were done praying, mother gave Rose a disapproving look. "You must close your eyes and keep quiet when we pray, Rose." She scolded. Rose pouted and pointed at Simon and Claude.
"I didn't do nowt!" Simon said defensively.
Ben looked from him to Claude.