*Taking a Mental Picture*

"It's late and the house is quiet. Sprout (7) is over on the other side of the room, his face and fringe lit up by his PC screen. He sends me a Facebook message with a >_<  face on it, and turns to look at me. I make the emoticon face at him and he laughs. We send different emoticons back and forth, turning round and making the faces. Much subdued late night laughter. A big laugh and the words, 'Tam you sent me a heart and some poo!' draw the evening to a giggly close."