I sat at the table in the kitchen eating my early breakfast. The aroma from the coffee filled the room, and while I sipped it, I gazed out of the window and noticed the hint of light. I looked at the clock. At five thirty I was not at my best, but the thought of my husband cheered me up. He was my rock. Sean was due back from a conference in France and I'd promised to pick him up on arrival.

The shrill ring of the phone brought me out of my reverie.

"Darling, so glad I reached you before you've left. The French controllers are on strike again, so don't know when I'll be back. I'll call when I know more. Love you."

"Love you too."

I sighed, and turned towards the stairs. Might as well go back to sleep.