'How to entertain your grandkids' by Janelle Hardacre

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‘We’re allowed, Granny?’

‘Yes, Fred. An arty day!’

They spread pudgy hands onto paints I’ve splodged on our wedding China. Freddy holds out a green palm, turns to check he won’t get scolded.

‘Go on. Grandpops’ll love it!’

He handprints tentatively before Alfie smooshes the colours so they mix against the silver, creating a sludgy mess.

‘Even the windows?’ Freddy asks.

Giddiness is infectious. Splats on their faces and clothes. I laugh, the first time since I caught my husband with her.

‘Beautiful, poppets!’

I laugh again as I imagine his face when he gets home to his beloved Jag.

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