FIRE 

By Tessa Harvey

    Bart rubbed his eyes blearily, annoyed. Someone was knocking. He tried to ignore it, put the pillow over his head, but it kept on, persistent, relentless. Finally, he got up and strode to the door, flinging it open.
    It was a beautiful day, but he couldn't see it. A middle-aged woman stood on the doorstep, clutching some papers. She smiled at him, trying to disguise her reaction to his slovenly appearance - after all, the poor man's wife was in hospital.
    "May I come in?" she asked and stepped carefully around him into the kitchen, clearing a space for her papers, among the dirty dishes and cereal packets, half-open. She flicked at a chair, careful to avoid some spilt milk and juice on the floor.....she hoped it was juice. The air smelt rank and she was glad the man had left the door open, even though the flies streamed in gleefully. But then so did sunshine and fresh air.
    "I'm Mrs. Smith, a social worker. My job is to find out how much need you have of help." Her eyes snagged on a baby lying loosely on a stained cot mattress in a corner. "Is your baby ok?"

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FIRE  By Tessa Harvey     Timothy focussed on his visitor with an effort. He noticed it was a really beautiful day, blue sky, fluffy white clouds, sunshine. The wind was slightly chilly, a reminder of changing seasons.     "Please come in," he ventured, "my housekeeper could get us a drink and some biscuits." "That would be lovely. I'm Sally Elliott."\         "Timothy Winslow." He led the way to the kitchen. The window was open and he could smell the honeysuckle climbing up a wooden trellis near the back door.     An elderly lady came in, smiled and put the jug on. "What drink would you like?" she asked. "I am Kirsty."         Drinks and shortbread biscuits were placed on a nearby table . Kirsty closed the kitchen window and took her cup of tea and biscuits outside.     "The Roberts family could do with prayer help and I wonder if you could help Bart? He needs a friendly bloke. Can you help, rabbi...
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