But you were so right to send the letter to Flora now and she must have answered immediately.’
‘It’s almost as though it’s meant to be,’ Mavis says. ‘He won’t be alone any more – now he has a dog and a stepdaughter, he’s got everything he needs.’
‘Should I wait until he comes back out?’ I ask. ‘He’s bound to be upset.’
‘Don’t worry, love; you need to get back. I’ll wait and talk to him. I have all the time in the world.’
‘Thanks, Mavis. Maybe you’re right.’ I wish I could give her a hug. She’s such a dear. ‘This whole situation has really surprised me you know, how everyone in this little community has looked out for each other. You’re all like family now.’
She laughs. ‘Well there’ll be good things and bad things, ups and downs – there always are in life you know. But as long as we’ve got each other, somehow we’ll all find our way through. Wartime spirit you know.’
I ponder her words as I wander back to the flats. Why does she think I need to get back? Although Jack did say 9 p.m. It’s even quieter than usual. I think I see a glimmer of one of the children opposite on the balconies, but when I look again she’s vanished. Perhaps everyone’s busy getting dinner, although it’s a beautifully still evening.
Back at the flat, Erica and I eat watching something rubbish; tonight we’re on fish and chips from the freezer. ‘When are we going to go back to more takeaways?’ asks Erica, peering disparagingly at an oven chip perched precariously on the end of her fork.
‘Perhaps when lockdown’s over. Anyway, we had takeaway chips last week.’
‘They taste so much better.’
‘I guess. It’s always such a hassle though, putting it in the oven when you’ve got it home. You might as well cook it yourself rather than queue at the shop.’
‘That’s only because you’re stressed out it might have the virus on it. Most people would just eat it straightaway.’
‘Well you can’t be too careful, not for Jack especially. Anyway, there’s talk the lockdown’s going to ease next month.’
‘I know, but I don’t think it will be back to normal.’ She finishes her mouthful and replaces her knife and fork in the middle of the plate with a clatter. ‘I’m off then. I’ll be back in the morning.’
‘Okay.’ I smile at her. ‘Are you sure you’ve had enough? And have you got your scrubs?’
‘Yes, Mum!’ Erica jests. ‘Have a nice evening.’ She stacks her plate in the sink, which makes a change, and there’s a certain something in her manner as she’s going out the door.
I bumble about clearing the table and getting the washing up out of the way.
My phone announces the arrival of a text from Jack. No going outside until 9 p.m. x
That’s very mysterious and is making me want to go outside immediately x
Trust you (he’s put a laughing face). No peeking, speak in a while x
I can’t imagine what he’s up to, but when nine o’clock comes, with some trepidation, I pull back the blinds and open the balcony doors. Without my realising the sun has gone down and it was actually slightly overcast today for the first time in a while. As the end of the restrictions hove into view it’s almost as though the weather has dictated, Okay, chaps, back to normal, cloud and rain are fine – we’ve got the people through.
Darkness has mostly fallen in the courtyard but as I step out onto the balcony, a sea of lights twinkle at me. The effect is incredible; tiny candles glowing from each and every corner of the outside space. I am surrounded by tiny dots of light bobbing hearteningly in the darkness. This incredible light effect is mirrored in the sky, as up and beyond and above the rooftops, the moon is bright and full, paired with the twinkling wishing star next to it.
‘It’s beautiful,’ I say, because it really is.
‘I hoped it would be,’ Jack answers from above.
‘How did you manage it? Are you a magician?’
‘No.’ He laughs. ‘But I had a little help from some friends.’
‘I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like it.’ My voice breaks as tears start to roll down my cheeks.
‘Hey,’ he says softly, ‘are you okay?’
‘Yes.’ I laugh and sniff. ‘This crying on the balcony seems to have become our thing.’
‘In a good way this time I hope, though?’ he asks.
‘Definitely – no one has ever done anything like this for