no skiver

I check the screen of the thermometer.

'Sorry love' I tell Elsie, her face raised towards mine expectantly. 'You're not better. It's not as high as in the night but you're not well yet.'

'I'll go to school?' she asks, hopefully.

'No, you'll stay home today. If you rest lots and let your body recover, you can go to school tomorrow.'

Her big eyes fill with tears. 'But I really want to go to school Mummy'.

'I know my love. But you're not well and if you go to school, it might make your friends ill too.'

She considers this.

'I'll go to school another day'.

Yes, yes you will. Many other days for the next 15 years...

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