Page 31 of Even Ground

Reece scrapes up the last of his food and swallows it down before draining his coffee. “Thank you so much for that. It was great.”

He gets up and walks around the bench, rinsing off his plate and cup in the sink. “I don’t mean to be rude, but I’m not sure I’ll be good company today.”

Pushing myself back from the bench, I slip off the stool to stand. “I could do with a nap myself after that. How about we go and do something tomorrow?”

He makes his way back around past me toward the door. “That sounds like a great idea. I’ll take you on a tour.”

I smile. “I’d love that. I’m not sure what time Josh’s parents will be back with Melly, so I’ll cook dinner tonight, too, if you want to make it to the dining room.”

Reece’s eyes light up. “After that breakfast? You bet.”

“See you later, then.”

My heart flutters like he’s my teenage crush.

Reece turns back toward the door. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

* * *

I open my eyes as my bedroom door creaks, just in time to see a little face peering around it.

“Pania?”

My head’s still heavy, but it’s better than it was earlier.

“Hey, sweet girl. Come and tell me all about the zoo.”

Melly flies across the room and leaps onto the bed.

“Ooof.” I grunt as her knee smacks my leg, then wrinkle my nose when a large piece of fluff tickles it.

“Look what Grandpa bought me.”

The sound of knuckles rapping wood snaps my attention to the door.

“Yes?” I say to whoever is knocking.

“Pania?” Ros pokes her head inside the room. “ I hope Amelia didn’t disturb you.”

“No, she’s fine. It’s time I got out of bed anyway. What’s the time?”

“A little after five. I was about to start cooking dinner.”

I sit up. “Don’t. Go and put your feet up. I’ll do it.”

“Are you sure?” She smiles, and it makes me miss my mum more than anything.

“Absolutely. You’ve been on your feet all day, I’m sure. I’ve just been lazing in bed.” I grab Melly for a hug. “I’ll be out in a minute. Melly’s just showing me what she got today.”

“She’s had a lovely time. But I’m sure she’ll sleep soundly tonight,” Ros says.

“I bet.”

She closes the door, and I turn to look at the toy Melly’s waving around.

It’s a ring-tailed lemur with a long fluffy tail.

“Grandpa found King Julian.” A small v forms between her eyes, her tone so solemn, and it’s hard not to laugh.

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