Irene

There's a lovely old lady called Irene that lives in one of the big houses across the road. We don't know her very well but on a street like ours you feel like you know someone when you see them every day.

She waves at Audrey and I when we see her in the doorway. She has meals on wheels delivered every lunchtime and her friend often pops over to help her with her garden.

The family that live next door keep an eye on her and their children play in her garden. She doesn't seem to mind, she treats them like her own grandchildren.

Tonight there was a big commotion outside and the neighbours were shouting to her through the letterbox. We guessed she must have fallen. They even tried to break the door down but sadly after a while she stopped answering back.

When the paramedics arrived and put their blue gloves and checked their watch, my stomach sank. I knew it was too late. Rest in peace Irene. We will miss your smile.