The loud cries had softened into occasional whispered noses from the young infant strapped to his back, perhaps asleep or just watching the world around them. The morning air refreshing and gentler than that of the cities. And yet, Claude had not missed the smell of rotting fish that lingered in each breath. Still, the calming walk along the seashore as the morning sun began its ascent into the sky reminded him of simpler times. Of childhood laughter and secret dreams. If one told him that he would one day willingly leave Whitby and return married, he would have laughed them off.

And yet.

The small family had arrived just yesterday and had spent the day moving into the small flat above what would soon be open to the public as The Joint Effort. He still didn't know what to think of his fathers-in-law ridiculous name, but since the man was now his main source of income, he wasn't going to complain. Florence had then spent the night up with Matthew, his son not wanting to settle into the new space. Only moments before did she finally relent to handing the babe over and to get some shut eye. Claude opting to leave the house all together to give his wife time to rest in peace. 

He had yet to track down any of his family, too busy the day before, but part of that was also the fear of what he would find. Would he had led them into by putting himself first. He knew seeking out his siblings would need to come in the days ahead, and avoiding his parents if at all possible... 

Lost in thought, he nodded to the person passing him the other way without much thought. "Good morning" he greeted while meaning to continuing to walk on.