The Apartment - K. L. Slater Page 0,30

of buttons. Funny, right? But think about it.

Buttons are everywhere, and when just setting eyes on one can put you into a state of abject panic, such a phobia can become very dangerous.

The client was a high-school teacher before his phobia became unmanageable. Surrounded by students, all wearing the standard uniform featuring buttons, it became impossible for him to function.

This is the power of our minds, our dreams. Defying logic and common sense. Our imagination has the power to control us and ultimately destroy us.

If we’re willing to let that happen.

17

Skye clambers up from the rug and ambles over to the window to look for Mr Blackbird, as she’s now named him.

‘Mummy, there’s a lady in the garden. She’s feeding the birds!’

Encouraged by the sudden interest in her voice, I cradle my coffee cup and walk over to the window. When I look down into the garden, I see there’s a diminutive older lady there who appears to be deep in thought, methodically stocking the bird tables that are dotted around the lawn from a bag full of what looks like seed.

‘Can we help her, Mummy? Please? I want to help feed the birds.’

We’re in no rush today to be anywhere. Thanks to last night’s telephone call from Kat, I’ve decided not to send Skye back to Grove Primary.

Yes, there are probably a hundred boxes still to unpack in the apartment, but I figure that feeding the birds and meeting a friendly neighbour is exactly the sort of thing that might help Skye feel a little better.

‘Come on then,’ I say, slipping on flat sandals and grabbing a cardy to drape over my thin floral dress. ‘I don’t know who the lady is, but I’m sure she won’t mind a keen little helper.’

Skye rushes to the door, pulling up her wrinkled pink leggings as she moves and shoves her feet into her My Little Pony pumps without unlacing them first. ‘Quick, Mummy, or the lady might go back inside!’

It’s refreshing to see the change in my daughter’s mood. My eyelids feel a little less heavy.

I think about brushing Skye’s hair before we go downstairs, but her urgency to get out there is infectious and, anyway, what does messy hair matter?

Five minutes later, we’re walking around the side of Adder House and into the garden. Although it’s still quite early, the sun kisses my face and warms my shoulders. I feel brighter already, and judging by Skye’s purposeful stride, she does, too.

Once we get into the open garden, the air feels a little cooler in the shade of the leafy green canopies and the shadow of Adder House itself.

‘Hello! Can I help you feed the birds?’

I feel so pleased at Skye’s forthright manner in addressing the lady. It’s not like her to turn shyly into my side as she does whenever Dr or Mrs Marsden speaks to her.

The woman turns and I see she is a good deal older than I first thought, possibly in her early eighties. She wears a gentle, soft expression that instantly puts me at ease. Her hair is silver and her eyes a very pale blue. I immediately feel myself warming to her.

‘How kind! It’s not very often I have a little helper around here; what’s your name, sweetheart?’ Her voice is strong and clear and sounds like it belongs to a much younger person.

‘My name is Skye Miller. And this is my mummy, she’s Freya. We’re new here.’

I think my heart might burst with pride. Skye’s eyes are wide with amazement as she stares at the plethora of different varieties of birds clustered on the various feeding tables dotted around the edges of the garden.

‘Well, now this is a surprise. I heard you were coming to live at Adder House, and I’ve been very much looking forward to meeting you both. I’m Lilian Brockley and I believe I’m your downstairs neighbour at number four.’

I smile and step forward, holding out a hand.

‘We’re in number six, above you. It’s very nice to meet you, Miss Brockley.’

‘My friends call me Lily.’ She shakes my hand and smiles at Skye, who is still distracted by the wildlife. ‘I get the feeling we’re going to be good friends because I can see you love birds as much as I do.’

Skye nods, her eyes darting from one bird table to the next.

‘A goldfinch, a chaffinch, and . . . ooh look over there, Mummy, it’s a collared dove!’

‘Now, that is impressive!’ Lily immediately furnishes Skye with a handful of seeds