In the early morning, the window knocker promptly rapped on the Robert family window, prompting Robert to crawl out of the not-so-warm blankets.
The cold air made Robert shrink his neck; if he could, he'd very much like to crawl back under the covers, even though they weren't warm enough, but at least they offered a trace of slight warmth.
But Robert did not do that; instead, he shivered his way into his clothes and finished washing up with icy cold water.
In the past, Robert's wife would have heated up water before he got up, allowing the family to have hot water to wash with in the morning, along with a steamy bowl of soup or porridge.
However, now the Robert family can no longer afford the cost of fuel, and even breakfast is cold for the family.
Of course, a major reason for this is that now Robert's family consists only of him and two children.
His wife didn't survive last winter; she fell asleep on a cold night and never woke up again.
