Ernie saw Terry wrinkle his nose after taking a sip of his drink and gave him a curious look. "Too strong or not to your taste?"
"I'm happy to do that," he said complacently as he settled in and listened to the current singer for a moment. "This is good entertainment. I'm glad I came."
He sobered a little and a pained, slightly haunted look grew in his eyes. "It's was... bearable. David and his wife had me over for Christmas dinner and made sure I enjoyed myself. But it was... difficult without Mum and Dad there." He sighed. "I was told the first Christmas is the hardest and I can say that's absolutely right."