Tales of the First

“I’m fine, dad,” she said. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“No, sweetpea,” he said. “I really did. I would just have worried myself sick about you if I tried to stay.”

Sienna couldn’t help smiling at that. “Thanks, Dad.”

“You’re welcome,” he said. “Now I know you’re probably wound up after such an exciting day but do try and get some sleep.”

“I will, dad,” she agreed. “At least I think I will. I’m actually pretty tired.”

“I’m sure,” he said. “But things like this tend to stick in the head.”

“Sienna!” he mother called from the kitchen. “Say good night to your father. Dinner’s ready.”

“Gotta go, Dad,” Sienna said obediently. “Mum says dinner is ready.”

“I heard,” he said. “Goodnight, sweetpea.”

“Night, Dad.” Sienna ended the call reluctantly and headed to the kitchen. It was testament to how worried her mother was about her that she’d cooked Sienna’s favourite pepperoni pizza rather than something healthier but less tasty. Of course it had a wholemeal base and she’d made the whole thing from scratch but that just made it better. Sienna just wished she was hungry enough to do her mother’s efforts justice but her stomach was still churning over what had happened and instead she found herself picking at it unenthusiastically.

“Not hungry, huh?” her mother asked softly. “I’m not surprised after what you’ve been through, but you do need to eat something.”

“I know,” Sienna said. “But my stomach is churning.” She stared at the pizza for a moment then forced herself to pick up a slice and take a bite. “Thanks, mum.”