February 2 Fire mother loved her children

The note was precise, almost prosaic – 'It is easy for me to go now, the chances are I am infected or will become infected and the likelihood is you may catch it if I return so I will go now whilst you are young enough to forget and move on. I do not want to be here when you've done that. I love you more than everything, more than my own life. If you come to me I will be there but do not come until you have to. Always with love, Mum. '

They had to wait till the fire burned out before retrieving the body, the rules by which we live are shifting daily. There is always talk of a cure, people believe in everything and nothing. Those that remain get on with life for as long as it lasts.