‘Yes,’ Roula said, and then it was Galen who took out one of those precious jewels she had stored away and unwrapped it right in front of her.
‘“Does this bus go to town, Mr Conductor?”’Galen said, and they shared a little laugh at the thought of her ten-year-old self and that time long ago when they’d sat under a tree. A memory so precious to this very day.
‘Roula, I know I lied to you...but was what I did so terrible?’
‘No.’
‘So why the big freeze?’
‘There’s no freeze.’
‘Come off it.’
‘I don’t want to be on your catch-up list, Galen. Once was empowering—but no more than that.’
‘I don’t believe you.’
‘Excuse me?’
‘There’s something you’re not telling me.’
‘I have no idea what you’re talking about.’
‘Really?’ Galen checked. Because, if there wasn’t something then we’d be at it now.’
‘Now?’
‘Yes,’ Galen said, and he clicked off the lights, and the room was blacked out apart from the computer screens. ‘Seriously, you’d be on my lap now.’
Yes,she wanted to say,but if you touch me I’ll fall apart in your arms, and I can’t.
‘You’re so full of it...’ the new Roula said, and walked off.
They were both very bristly as they walked into the care home later.
‘Can you please not mention to her that you’re finishing at the end of next week?’ Galen asked.
‘Of course.’
‘Galen!’ a resident called.
‘Sir.’ He nodded, and then turned and gave Roula a little nod. ‘Thanks for this. It’s appreciated.’
‘Kupia Florakis.’ Roula gave her a wide smile and sat down. ‘How are you?’
‘Cold.’
She was very bright this afternoon—and hungry!
‘Where’s Galen?’ she asked.
‘He’ll be in soon.’
‘He’s tired.’
Roula breathed in, because she’d been trying not to notice the dark rings under his eyes or the fact that he’d lost weight.
‘Look at him here,’ hisyayasaid as she slurped Roula’s soup and laughed at a photo. ‘He was so cheeky... Some days hismamáwould say, “Galen is too bold.”’