The Leaning Man by Anne Harré

Author:Anne Harré
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781988595481
Publisher: The Cuba Press Ltd
Published: 2021-08-03T11:44:49+00:00

It was late by the time she got back to her parents’ house. There was a note on the bench: Dinner in microwave xxx Mum

Truly, there was no place like home. Stella pulled open the fridge. There was a half-full bottle of Sauvignon. She looked at it, closed the fridge door and poured herself a large glass of water.

‘I see you found the food,’ said her dad, coming over to give her a hug. ‘How was the dentist?’ He gently stroked her cheek.

‘Crap, but at least it’s done now.’

The microwave dinged. Stella pushed open the door. ‘Is this bowl of total yumminess your effort?’

‘No, that’s your mum’s doing.’

‘Well, I definitely miss this, and you of course.’ She smiled at him.

‘Good to hear.’ He sat at the table.

‘So, were you ever going to tell me?’

‘About what?’

‘About Mum – were you ever going to say anything?’

‘Ah, Stell. The tyranny of distance.’

‘Bollocks and you know it,’ she said.

He ran his fingers through his thinning hair and pulled his dressing gown around his neck. ‘I wanted to tell you, but your mother said no. She didn’t want you to worry. You know her, she wants calm. To her it wasn’t a big deal.’

‘And you?’

‘Life seldom gives us what we think we want,’ he said finally. ‘There was no conspiracy, Stella. She just wanted to protect you, that’s all.’

‘I know, Dad, I understand, but another time …’

‘Another time I’ll come over to London and tell you personally.’

‘Where’s Mum?’

‘She’s got her wall-climbing class tonight,’ he said.

‘Should she be doing that, with her heart and everything?’

‘Try telling Peace to do anything, Stell. You know the plum doesn’t fall far from the tree.’ He stood up and kissed the top of her head. ‘Night, I’m off to bed.’

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