There was a lot of noise coming from the back yard. A noise like something had gone missing.

When Jack and Poppy came into the kitchen dad looked up with a big smile on his face. A biggest-ever smile.

Poppy came into the room and said, “Mum, I’ve got a question.” Mum was sitting in the big, soft comfy chair reading her phone.

Jack and Poppy came home very early today. So early, that when they walked in the kitchen door mum pulled out her phone to see what time it was.

Poppy’s school bag was a bit bigger today. She and Jack plonked their stuff on the kitchen floor and Poppy smiled at mum.

There was a banging noise. Dad was sitting in the car and he heard it first.

Jack and Poppy crashed into the kitchen, waving their arms like windmills and wiggling their fingers.

The rain was getting heavier and Jack’s coat was leaking. He pulled his hat down harder.

Jack was puffing and struggling up the garden carrying a great big armful of long, green, scratchy weeds

Jack and Poppy came slowly into the kitchen and put their school bags down like they were full of eggs. Carefully.