A New Home

"There was a lot of heavy machinery at that old haunted bridge when I collected Toby from school today, so they must have started pulling it down".

Anna was bending and straightening as she spoke, collecting a rainbow of matchbox cars, magic set bits, marker pens and miniscule plastic bricks from the living room floor, repatriating them as she went to various boxes and shelves.

"Well, well," said Gus, "that ghost will have to find somewhere else to live now won't she?" He knew she at least half believed the legend and smiled at her wickedly.

"She just needs a nice home with a lovely Mum like me and a slightly peculiar Dad like you and some sensible warm clothes."

Her easy laugh stilled abruptly to silence as she reached the corner furthest from the lamp to pick up the things there: a little white summer frock, a delicate white ribbon and a pink teddy bear.