Beach, The by Alex Garland

Author:Alex Garland [Garland, Alex]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2012-09-18T11:51:09+00:00

The Decisive Moment

"Hi," said a voice, and I turned round. A small boy was standing in the gateway of the house behind me. He grinned and marched over the pavement. "Would you like a drink?"

I looked at him blankly. Mister Duck was fair-haired and close to tubby as a child. It surprised me that this well-fed kid would become the scrawny figure I'd meet on the Khao San Road.

"That is you, isn't it?" I said, to make certain.

"It's me." His chubby arms stretched out and clapped me on the shoulders. "Would you like a drink?"

"Well…" I rubbed my throat. "What have you got?"

"Ribena or water."

"Ribena is good."

"OK. Wait here."

Mister Duck went inside the house, waddling slightly as he walked. I wondered if that was where his nickname had originally come from. A minute later he came back out, holding a cup in both hands.

"I'm afraid it's not really very cold. It takes ages for the tap to run cold."

"That's OK."

He gave me the cup and watched me closely while I drank.

"Is it all right? Maybe I should've put some ice in it."

"It's very nice."

"I can get some ice for you."

"No." I drained the remainder. "It was just right."

"Great!" He smiled radiantly. "You want to see my room?"

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