February 9th, her birthday: deep in Winter’s bitter swell. Sledging with friends, then home to Mum’s hot chocolate and hugs.

Now grandchildren tiptoe to her door with homemade cake, footsteps wary over unforgiving frost. She pulls them indoors, warms small hands in hers.

Over seventy birthdays, she’s never felt cold.

Jo Withers writes short fiction from her home in South Australia where February is anything but cold.