Sophie sat and looked at the piece of paper in front of her. Everyone else in her class was busy drawing Christmas cards for their parents and she had no idea what she was going to draw. She tried to do a reindeer but it looked more like a cow and George laughed at her.

Then she tried drawing Santa only it looked stupid so she screwed it up. Tears filled her eyes. She was rubbish at drawing.

The teacher came over and sat down next to her. “What’s wrong?”

“I can’t do it,” she managed. “It has to be special cos it’s for Daddy.”

“How about a snowman? That’s just two circles with stick arms… Could you manage that?”

“Can try,” she whispered. She took the new piece of card and picked up her pencil. As she drew her tongue poked out from between her lips. Finally she drew something she was happy with but something she knew her father would like.

It was hot where he was and there would be no snow or Santa or reindeer. Just bombs and guns. She had written to Santa and told him all she wanted for Christmas was Daddy home. But that wasn’t going to happen so she’d send him a card instead.

She wrote on the front of the card and then wrote on the inside. Dear Daddy, a snowman to look after you and your friends. Love you lots. Love Sophie.