“Oh, pop the heating on, will you darling? I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Elizabeth called to her husband while wrapping her woolly scarf around her neck, tucking the ends into gap of her fleece coat. She was starting to sweat a bit under the extra layers but she knew she’d appreciate them when she was outside.

British winter was never forgiving, especially during the night and she wasn’t going to be caught out.

Locking the door behind her, Elizabeth made the short trek to her neighbour, Margaret. She was an elderly woman who lived alone for a few years now. Elizabeth never liked to leave her for too long so always made a point to visit her at least once a week to give her some company.

The house was modest and well-kept, with one light from the living room showing that she was still inside and awake.

She knocked on the door and waited for a response. She heard nothing.

“Margaret?” She called, knocking again. Eventually, the door opened and Elizabeth was horrified at the sight of her shaking neighbour. “Margaret! What’s wrong?”

“Oh. Hello Elizabeth.” Margaret smiled despite the shivers. “Would you like some tea?”

Accepting the offer, Elizabeth was stunned to feel colder inside her house that she did outside.

“Why haven’t you got the heating on?” She asked. She saw Margaret’s face fall and gripped her cold bony hands, trying to rub some warmth into them. “Oh, Margaret, why didn’t you say anything? I would’ve lent you the money!”

“Oh don’t be silly, you’ve got your own to look out for. Besides, I’m not the only one who couldn’t pay, they’ll have to sort something out soon.” Despite her words, Elizabeth just noticed how frail she looked, and unwrapped her scarf to give to her.

“Honestly, dear, I’m fine!” Margaret pushed but relented, allowing the scarf to be wrapped around.

“How bout you sit down and I’ll make us a cuppa, yeah?” Elizabeth smiled. Margaret smiled back, her skin ice cold where Elizabeth’s fingers brushed her neck.