I am in what could be the shittiest mood ever. I was having a brilliant day through work; it was busy, but I was having a great time. On the way home, it was really frigging cold - colder than anything I've ever felt before. My feet and hands were numb and I wanted nothing more than to get home and straight into the bath without a hitch - no hypothermia, no slipping and falling on my arse.

So, near the traffic lights entrance to Clarence Street, I saw three kids (two girls and a boy) walking towards me, across the road. Faffing in the snow, and being a general nuisance.

They all know Ashley, don't they? They've given him trouble in the past, and they recognise me as his sister.

"Heads up!" the boy shouts, and lobs a snowball at me. It misses. Across the road with all the cars I can't do much except look at them like they're a bunch of idiots and dodge. He throws another one.

( And so the story continues... )