Georgia

By Emma Linden Jones

Georgia Feldon had a long-held dream but as often happens in life dreams do not come to fruition without one heck of a fight.  An adversary in the form of her not so loving mother almost destroyed Georgia's dream of being an artist. Georgia was drawn to colour and images and she felt deep down she could put them on canvas one day.

Her loving Aunt Emma tells it as it is and she will not let Georgia's dream die an unnecessary death.  Aunt Emma is the force for good, God's vessel of truth and loving kindness. She is advocate, mentor, confidante, friend and the mother Georgia always wanted. Aunt Emma's mission from the Lord is to help Georgia fulfil her potential and show her the way to a loving God.

Surf loving Sam Bailey remembers the little girl he met at the beach years ago. Now she had grown into a beautiful woman he wanted to get know, really know.  But she was a puzzle, at one moment confident and funny and the next fearful and insecure. She seemed to have no idea how beautiful or talented she was. But there was another problem. Georgia was not a believer and after years of one night stands he had promised the Lord he would only date a believer, and the woman he was going to marry. 

When Georgia has an encounter with the Lord and opens her heart to Him, her life suddenly moves in directions she couldn't have imagined. But her trust in God is severely tested when her world is turned upside down. Georgia's heart wants to run towards love and the future God has for her but her fears tell her to run as far and as fast from everything.

It seems God's choice for her is Sam but when their plans fall apart they find themselves on a journey of discovery of what it means to trust God with their hearts and with their lives. Through love and loss, courage and faith, Georgia fights for her dream and for the kind of love she always wanted.

Georgia Feldon had a long-held dream but as often happens in life dreams do not come to fruition without one heck of a fight.  An adversary in the form of her not so loving mother almost destroyed Georgia's dream of being an artist. Georgia was drawn to colour and images and she felt deep down she could put them on canvas one day.

Her loving Aunt Emma tells it as it is and she will not let Georgia's dream die an unnecessary death.  Aunt Emma is the force for good, God's vessel of truth and loving kindness. She is advocate, mentor, confidante, friend and the mother Georgia always wanted. Aunt Emma's mission from the Lord is to help Georgia fulfil her potential and show her the way to a loving God.

Surf loving Sam Bailey remembers the little girl he met at the beach years ago. Now she had grown into a beautiful woman he wanted to get know, really know.  But she was a puzzle, at one moment confident and funny and the next fearful and insecure. She seemed to have no idea how beautiful or talented she was. But there was another problem. Georgia was not a believer and after years of one night stands he had promised the Lord he would only date a believer, and the woman he was going to marry. 

When Georgia has an encounter with the Lord and opens her heart to Him, her life suddenly moves in directions she couldn't have imagined. But her trust in God is severely tested when her world is turned upside down. Georgia's heart wants to run towards love and the future God has for her but her fears tell her to run as far and as fast from everything.

It seems God's choice for her is Sam but when their plans fall apart they find themselves on a journey of discovery of what it means to trust God with their hearts and with their lives. Through love and loss, courage and faith, Georgia fights for her dream and for the kind of love she always wanted.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Emma Linden Jones
• Release date: Jul 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223080206

Book preview

Prologue

It had seemed like a good idea at the time, but now Georgia wasn’t sure why she was there. Places like this reminded her of what she’d lost; her dream of being an artist. She doubted she would ever be much good at it, and definitely not like Aunt Emma who was a true artist, but she had wanted to try.  Then her mother’s voice echoed in her mind reminding Georgia she was a fool to believe she could be anything other than useless. She should leave, it was futile to dream for something that couldn’t be. 

Behind her glass doors opened and closed and Georgia stood motionless as bodies moved around her. With each passing moment she became more paralysed as the old fear and despair took hold. Suddenly an inner urge propelled her forward and through the gallery.

As she studied the paintings displayed on the walls her imagination stirred and when one particular painting caught her eye she stepped towards it. The vibrancy of colours excited her senses and for a brief moment she could see herself creating something similar.  A memory of Aunt Emma’s studio and her aunty teaching Georgia to paint flashed past her eyes challenging her beliefs and her mother’s words.

Her body trembled slightly as fear and longing warred in her heart.  An internal question spoke louder than every other voice asking what would it be like if Georgia ignored all the doubts and fear and let herself try. She drew in a shaky breath and her eyes watered as she considered it.  Maybe she would finally be her true self and not the version her mother demanded. 

Turning towards the exist Georgia felt like she was on the precipice of something that would change her life forever.

Chapter 1

Red flashed past her eyes. A crimson rosella landed on the branch outside her window. Georgia smiled. The bird was beautiful with plumes of red, blue and a hint of green. She loved colour with all its shades and hues and wished in the secret place of her heart that one day she could paint such a bird.

Get a move on, Georgia. Emma has better things to do with her time than to wait for a silly child, Kay Feldon hissed at her daughter.

Georgia raced out the front door to the car with a wave and a hurried goodbye. Her father smiled and waved back as the car pulled out of the driveway.

The journey to Aunt Emma’s was long and tense as Georgia sat silently staring out of the window while the car sped along the motorway. Conversation with her mother was met with abrupt harshness so she said nothing. An hour later the car pulled up outside a large and beautifully proportioned house that backed onto an expanse of yellow sand and a vast blue ocean.

For goodness sake, Georgia, get your bag out of the boot and hurry up. I have to get back. Your father’s useless at packing. I don’t trust him to pack the things I need. 

Georgia grabbed her bag and followed her mother as Aunt Emma appeared from inside the house. 

Kay, it’s lovely to see you. Thank you for bringing Georgia. Emma lightly kissed her sister on the stiffly presented cheek. 

Georgia. Hello my dear girl. I’ve been looking forward to this all week. Here let me help you with that.

Emma deposited the bag in a guest bedroom and returned to the chilly atmosphere in the living room

Well, how about a cup of tea, Kay? And some cake for you, Georgia?

No thank you, Emma. Ted’s incapable of packing a lunch bag let alone luggage for a cruise. I need to leave immediately.

Oh, that’s a shame you have to leave so soon.

Georgia, go and unpack your things while I speak with your aunty.

She wanted to refuse, afraid of what her mother was going to say to Aunt Emma. Yes, Mother. Georgia shuffled out of the room with a backward glance at the two women easing into armchairs.

Emma, I don’t expect you to put up with any nonsense from the child so please do as you think best.

Good heavens, Kay, she’s a lovely child.  I’m very happy to have her stay with me. She hesitated knowing what she was about to say would anger her sister.  Kay... Emma shifted in her chair as a pair of piercing eyes turned towards her. It’s not Georgia’s fault you know.

I have no idea to what you are referring.

Emma observed the change of expression on her sister’s face. Yes, you do, Kay. What happened to you as a child has nothing to do with Georgia. I do wish you’d let me help you.  It saddens me to know you suffered so. 

Thank you, but I don’t need your help or anyone else’s for that matter. That was so long ago now it has no relevance to my life today.

I think you need my help, Kay. You’ve been so unhappy all your life and you have a delightful daughter, but you don’t seem to like her.

Kay drew herself to her full height and snatched her handbag off the floor.  That she was offended was evident on her face.  I lost my dreams when that man ... Kay stopped and there was a stony silence.

Emma knew she was on rocky ground but persisted anyway.  Yes you did and it wasn’t your fault either, but what happened to you as a child has nothing to do with Georgia.

Ignoring Emma’s last statement, Kay stared at a painting on the wall. It was a beach scene with children playing and laughing. I never wanted children. As you know Ted and his family pressured me. Well one child is more than enough. She lacks for nothing.

Except love. Can’t you love her, Kay? Just a little?  Show her some tenderness?

I’ll thank you for not interfering. The past is gone and forgotten. 

Emma could see she was getting nowhere with her sister and backed off.  As you wish, Kay. I’m here if you change your mind. She stood up and moved a little closer to her sister. I care about you.

For a brief moment her sister’s expression softened. When Emma moved to touch her hand, Kay stiffened and the walls came up again. With a sigh Emma lifted her hand. "Well, I hope you and Ted have a lovely holiday.

Hmm, we’ll see. Ted’s hardly an exciting travel companion. Her mouth skewed to the left. Or any kind of companion for that matter.

Entering the living room Georgia sensed tension in the atmosphere. She was acutely attuned to her mother’s moods and was immediately on the alert. Forcing her mind to focus and her limbs not to run away she stood next to her aunty. 

I’ve finished unpacking, Mother.

Georgia, I expect you to do as you’re told and behave yourself. Your aunty has graciously agreed for you to stay. I don’t want to hear of any nonsense. Do you understand me?

Yes, Mother. I’ll be good.

Hmph. Kiss me goodbye then.

Georgia dutifully kissed the wooden cheek. Her mother said a terse goodbye to Aunt Emma and left the house without another glance. A single tear slid down her cheek and Georgia swiped it away. Aunt Emma patted her on the shoulder, I can hear the cake calling me from the kitchen so I’d best go and see what it wants.

Georgia thought this was ridiculous as cake doesn’t speak but curiosity got the better of her and she followed her aunty to the kitchen. 

Aunt Emma bent her ear to the cake. What’s that? Oh well, if you say so.

What did it say? she asked, intrigued. 

Well, it said if we don’t hurry up and eat it, it’s going to jump off the bench and leave.

She giggled and nodded. Thank you, Aunty. I’d like some.

Good. We don’t want rebellion in the kitchen, Aunt Emma whispered.

They ate slices of cake and sipped freshly brewed tea on the deck. When she’d finished she glanced at her aunty who was watching a family on the beach. Georgia had only seen her aunty a few times. Aunt Emma had come to her fifth birthday party and that was two years ago. She remembered her aunty laughing a lot and playing games, which her parents never did. Wriggling in her chair attracted her aunty’s attention. Aunt Emma smiled and asked if she would like to go for a swim.

Okay, she said shrugging her shoulders. I had swimming lessons at school but I’m not very good at it. 

You could dip your toes in first. It’ll be quite safe and I’ll be with you.

Georgia studied her aunty’s face and then nodded. But I don’t have a swimming costume. I guess Mother forgot to pack one.

Oh, that’s no problem. I’ve spares I keep for children who visit. I’m sure I’ve got one that’ll fit you."

Okay, thanks. A tingle of excitement ran through her body. Maybe this was going to be fun after all. 

They carried the tea things to the kitchen and Aunt Emma went in search of a costume. After a few minutes of waiting her aunty returned with a turquoise swimming costume. She left so Georgia could change. It fitted perfectly and the colour was just right for her. She smiled and hurried outside. Aunt Emma had also put on her swimmers and was wearing a large floppy hat.

Here you are, Georgia. Pop that on your head. I think some sunscreen is needed too or you’ll be burnt to a crisp.

Georgia giggled, imagining herself turned into a large chip. Rubbing the thick cream all over and adding a blob to her nose she was ready to go. 

Following her aunty through the back gate onto the beach, she felt the grainy texture against her skin as her feet sank into the soft warm sand. They shuffled across the beach until they found a place near the water but not so close as to get their things soaked by the waves. Dropping their towels and water bottles on the sand, they headed to the shoreline. Aunt Emma took hold of her hand as the cool foamy water slid across their feet and ankles. A laugh burst from her. Venturing further into the ocean the water rose to her waist.  The waves pushed against her body causing her to lose her balance. A frisson of fear made her gasp.

Aunt Emma gripped Georgia’s hand. It’s alright, I won’t let you go.

Georgia nodded and relaxed. Soon they were laughing and jumping up and down, until a wave knocked her off her feet. Sandy water filled her mouth and rushed up her nose. She snorted and coughed up the sea water. Aunt Emma quickly pulled her up. 

Can we go home now?

Yes, of course, Georgia.

They dried off and went back to the house. Hunger made her belly rumble and she was grateful for the ham and salad sandwiches Aunt Emma put on the table. They sat under a large umbrella on the deck outside the kitchen and living room. 

I hope being knocked over hasn’t put you off going into the ocean again, Georgia.

I didn’t like the yucky sand in my mouth but I had fun. Can we do it again tomorrow?

Yes, if you’d like it. The morning is better before the sun gets too hot.

Okay.

Well, what would you like to do after lunch?

Umm... Georgia shrugged.

Do you know that I’m an artist, Georgia?

Georgia shook her head and waited for further information.

Do you know what an artist is?

You paint things.

That’s right. I paint all sorts of things. I was wondering if you’d like to see my studio? It’s where I work.

Okay. 

Go and change while I wash the dishes.

Hopping off the chair she went to put on her play clothes. Aunt Emma was washing up when she returned to the kitchen.

Here you can help with drying. Aunt Emma offered a tea towel. 

Georgia hesitated feeling anxious, but took the tea towel and plate she was handed.

Are you all right, Georgia?

Mother never lets me dry the dishes. She said I’m too stupid and clumsy, and she can’t afford to replace anything I break. Uncertain of her aunty’s expression, she felt sick that she’d said something wrong. It was as though dark clouds had taken the sun from her aunty’s face. Georgia tensed waiting for the angry words directed at her.

Well, I don’t think you’re stupid or clumsy, Georgia. In fact, I think you’re a very clever girl. Besides, it doesn’t bother me in the least if you break anything, Aunt Emma smiled. These old things are not important to me, but you are.

Georgia smiled in return, relieved. Then dried the plate and placed it carefully on the bench.

"Well done, Georgia. Now for the rest of them.

Chapter 2

The next morning Georgia was up earlier than Aunt Emma. She slipped on the swimming costume, shorts and a tee shirt. Not sure of what to do next Georgia went to the studio to look at the painting she did yesterday. She didn’t think it was very good although she did have fun and Aunt Emma made her laugh. 

Wandering past the paintings stacked against the walls and hanging above her head, she tilted her chin to see them better. Close up they looked more like blobs of paint but stepping back the blobs became images. It fascinated her. She stepped closer and then back again several times wondering why it was so. When she heard Aunt Emma’s voice through the doorway it occurred to Georgia that her aunty would know the answer.

Aunt Emma walked into the room and stood in front of Georgia’s painting, or attempt at a painting. You know Georgia, I can see real potential here.

But it looks all messy. Not like yours, Aunt Emma. 

Well, no. Not quite like mine. Remember I’ve been painting since I was not much older than you. However, the colours you’ve chosen work well together. There’s something interesting in the way you’ve applied the paint. She spoke more to herself. Yes, I can definitely see potential. Aunt Emma turned to her. It’ll require lots of practice and studying techniques, but I think you have a gift Georgia.

She stared at her aunty and could feel her mouth drop open. No-one had ever told her she was good at anything.

Would you like to be an artist, Georgia?

I don’t know. Maybe. Glancing at the other paintings on the wall she made up her mind. Yes, please, Aunt Emma. If you really think I can. 

I do. She smiled and touched the top of Georgia’s head. We can start this afternoon. If I’ve remembered correctly we’re going to the beach this morning.

Tentatively, Georgia put her arms around Aunt Emma’s waist and rested her head against her aunty’s body, aware of softness and warmth. 

Her aunty held her tight. Precious child, Emma whispered. Thank you, Lord, for this precious child.

Georgia didn’t understand her aunty’s words but she felt her love. It was a wonderful feeling. 

Hand in hand they raced into the ocean, and Georgia squealed as the cold water splashed over her. They chased the waves in and out until Aunt Emma was tired and needed to rest for a bit. They plonked onto towels but within minutes Georgia was restless again.

Go ahead, Georgia. I can see you from here. You only need to wave and I’ll be there in a flash, alright?

Okay. Thanks, Aunt Emma, she said nodding. Georgia ran to the water’s edge and stood watching the rolling waves. 

Hi, a voice said over her shoulder.

She turned to see a boy near her own age smiling at her. He was taller than her with short dark hair and a friendly face.

Hi.

What’s your name? Mine’s Sam.

Georgia, and that’s my Aunt Emma over there, she said pointing to where her aunty was watching them. 

My mum and dad and brother are over that way. 

Georgia squinted in the direction where Sam pointed. His parents were talking and his brother was digging a tunnel. She’d dreamed of a family outing to the beach but her mother didn’t like sand, noise or discomfort. Her mother disliked everything it seemed.

I was watching you and your aunty. She seems nice.

Yeah, she is.

You wanna go in the water with me? I’m a good swimmer.

After a moment’s hesitation she nodded. They edged forward until the water was waist high and then she stopped.

Let’s go a bit further.

I’m not sure. Big waves scare me.

Hold my hand. I won’t let anything happen to you, promise.

Looking into his eyes she saw confidence and slipped her hand into his. He held fast and soon they were laughing as they bounced up and down with each roll of a swell.

A man appeared next to them. Hello, I’m John. What’s your name?

Georgia, she said with a slight shake in her voice. 

You seem to be having fun together.

Yeah, we are, Dad. Georgia’s the coolest girl.

I’m sorry to spoil your fun but it’s time to go, Sam.

Okay, Dad.

The three turned towards the shore and Sam kept hold of her hand until they reached the sand. It didn’t occur to her to pull away. It was the first time a boy held her hand and she liked the feel of it. 

It was very nice meeting you, Georgia, John said. Perhaps we’ll see you again tomorrow.

Thank you. I’ll ask my aunty to bring me.

Great. I’ll teach you how to duck under the waves. See ya, Georgia.

Bye, Sam.

Georgia watched her new friend leave with his family and waved. Sam smiled and waved back. A small thrill ran through her. She didn’t have many friends. Her mother didn’t approve of most of those she brought home, so she stopped trying to make friends. Claire was her best friend, but her mother didn’t like Claire much either. A sigh escaped then Georgia ran to her aunty to tell her all about Sam and asked if they could come again tomorrow.

Of course we can, Georgia. If that’s what you’d like.

He’s the nicest boy I’ve ever met.

Aunt Emma smiled at her but said nothing further about Sam. Well, I’m hungry. How about you, Georgia?

Yep, starved. And you’re going to teach me some more about painting, aren’t you? 

I most certainly am. I’m quite excited about it too.

Georgia slipped her hand into Aunt Emma’s, and her step was lighter as she skipped back to the house. A new friend she didn’t have to introduce to her mother, and learning to paint; it was the best day of her life.

Aunt Emma suggested a particular brush to use so she picked it up, chose a colour from the palette and dipped the brush into the paint. 

Now, paint whatever is in your heart. Aunt Emma placed her hand on Georgia’s chest near her heart.

Hmm, I feel happy.

Good. Paint what happy is to you. Do you understand, Georgia?

She nodded and then smeared paint across the canvas. Georgia dipped the brush in a glass and shook off the excess water, then she chose a different colour and spread that on the canvas. Tilting her head to one side she considered whether happy looked like this. 

Don’t think too much, Georgia. Just feel it. Let the brush do what it needs to.

Okay. I’ll try.

For the next hour there was silence in the room except for the light noises of brushes on canvas or dipping into the water glass. Engrossed in painting Georgia lost awareness of time passing.

I’m finished, Aunt Emma, she said laying down her brush.

Let me see. 

Aunt Emma looked over the painting. This is very good, Georgia. I particularly like your choice of colours.

She rarely received praise. It felt good. You really mean it?

Yes, of course I do. I truly believe you can be an artist one day though you’ll have to work hard and practice and study.

Oh. She dropped her head and looked at the dried paint on her fingers.

What is it, Georgia?

Mother thinks art’s a silly waste of time. She said so when I asked her to take me to the Art Gallery in the city.

I see. Well, perhaps I can talk to her about it and she might allow me to take you to the Gallery.

Georgia smiled and nodded, glad it would be Aunt Emma talking to her mother and not her. 

I think this is enough for today.

They cleaned and dried the paint brushes, and tidied the studio. Would you like to help me cook dinner?

Umm, okay.

What would you like to eat?

Georgia shrugged. She’d never been given the choice before and was definitely not allowed in the kitchen when her mother and the housekeeper prepared dinner.

Well, we can do a stuffed roast chicken. How does that sound?

Umm, good. 

Aunt Emma pulled chicken from the fridge and put it to one side. Georgia watched her select things from the cupboard and put them on the kitchen bench.

Now, Georgia, take this bunch of sage and pull the leaves from the stalk. I’ll chop them. 

Feeling anxious she might make a mistake, she pulled off the leaves and then followed the rest of Aunt Emma’s instructions. 

Very good, Georgia. That’s just right. Now in that bowl I’d like you put the cranberries, chopped hazelnuts, and sage. With that done Aunt Emma included garlic, onion, breadcrumbs and an egg yolk. Now mix all of these ingredients together with your hands and squeeze them together. Her aunty showed her what to do. I’ll peel and chop the vegetables.

Like this?

Yes. You’re doing a wonderful job. You’re a great help in the kitchen, Georgia.

Really? Georgia was again taken aback by the praise.

Uh huh. 

So how do we get the stuffing in the chicken, Aunt Emma?

Aunt Emma’s fingers were covered with the mixture. I’m going to push it into the chicken with my hands.  She pointed to an open cavity.  In here.

Her eyes widened. Georgia imagined herself as a chicken and how she’d feel if a hand was stuck up her bottom. She didn’t think it would feel very nice. 

When the chicken was stuffed and ready, Aunt Emma placed it on a baking tray and popped it onto a shelf in the oven. As the chicken cooked, Georgia watched it through the thick glass door. When yummy smells wafted from the oven her mouth began to water and her stomach rumbled. It made her feel happy but also sad because it wasn’t like this at home. She wondered if this was what it was like for other families. 

They sat down at the table and Aunt Emma carved the chicken and placed slices on their plates with the stuffing and roast vegetables. Georgia was about to dig in when her aunty touched her hand and said they must say grace first. Until this week she’d never heard of grace and thought it a peculiar thing to do but bowed her head like her aunty. As Aunt Emma started to pray Georgia took a peek and then quickly closed her eyes again. 

Impatient to eat, the smells teased her nose. When Aunt Emma finally finished praying, which felt like forever, Georgia dived into the meal. The taste of the stuffing with the chicken gave her a warm feeling. Through the large window she noticed wisps of pink and orange tinging the blue horizon. It was beautiful; a perfect ending for a perfect day.

The next morning, she and her aunty waited on the beach for Sam and his family to arrive. It wasn’t long before she saw his dark hair appear over a sand dune with the rest of the family in tow. Georgia waved and Sam bolted over to say hello.  He invited them to meet his family. They crossed the short distance and introductions were made to Sam’s parents and his brother. John and Isabella asked Aunt Emma to sit down and chat. 

Sam’s brother, Mike, said he wanted to swim. Sam took her hand and they charged into the surf. Sam demonstrated how to dive under the waves and said it was easy. Georgia was torn. She didn’t want to seem like a wimpy girl but it looked scary going under the water. 

Come on. You’ll be okay. Follow me. Sam dove under a wave and then signalled her to try. 

Georgia took a breath and did as Sam had told her. She closed her eyes going under and then her arms flailed as she pushed to the surface, gasping for air because it had scared her more than being out of breath. Breaking through the water she looked at Sam and they both laughed.  He made her do it again and again until she felt a little more confident. Georgia secretly liked mastering a skill even when it frightened her and she knew no-one else would ever teach her how to duck dive, other than Sam. Her heart was glad she had met him. 

When the sun bit into her fair skin she knew it was close to midday. At that moment Georgia heard her aunty’s voice calling her to come out of the water. Sam took her hand again as they moved out of the water and walked back to the adults.  Reluctantly, she said goodbye to Sam, his brother and parents. It was their last day together as Sam’s father had to return to work. Holding back tears, she waved farewell. Sam called out goodbye and something else she didn’t catch. Aunt Emma put her arm around Georgia’s shoulder and held her close as they trudged across the sand to the back gate. 

Changing out of her wet costume Georgia swiped away tears. She wasn’t going to cry over a boy like those silly girls at school. She went to the kitchen to help prepare lunch.

Feeling a bit sad, Georgia?

Yes, but I’m okay. Mother says life is full of sadness and problems.

Hmm. Well, I prefer to thank the Lord that we had a wonderful time with new friends, even if it was only for a short while.

They ate lunch on the deck and she wondered where Sam lived. It hadn’t occurred to her to ask and now he was gone. The feeling of having lost something special tugged at her heart. 

What would you like to do this afternoon, Georgia?

She shrugged her shoulders.

Some painting perhaps?

No thank you, Aunt Emma. I don’t feel like doing any today. 

How about a movie then?

Georgia looked into her aunty’s face. What movie?

I happen to know there’s a Disney movie playing at our local cinema. Interested? 

Georgia nodded. She liked Disney movies, they were fun. Her mother didn’t like going to the movies with all the riffraff as she called them. So, Georgia only got to go when she went with Claire and her family.

Later in the evening she felt restless and sought out her aunty.

What are you reading, Aunt Emma?

My Bible. As it’s Sunday and I didn’t go to church I thought I’d read a bit.

Oh. My best friend, Claire, goes to church with her family and she reads the Bible too. I asked Mother about God but she got angry with me and said it’s all nonsense. She tilted her head slightly. Why did she say that?

Aunt Emma glanced away and then back again. That’s not something I can answer I’m afraid. Only your mother can explain why. She patted the space next to her on the couch. Would you like to sit with me and I’ll read you some?

Umm. Okay.

Georgia scrambled onto the couch and leant against her shoulder. Her aunty read from Isaiah. She didn’t understand much of it but the words were strangely soothing. After a while her eyes drooped and closed. 

The sun streamed through the window and she woke to find herself in bed.  Georgia couldn’t remember going to bed and figured her aunty had put her