Page 12 of Autumn at the Cornish Garden Café

‘I’m sure.’ He smiled. ‘Now you should head back to work. But thank you so much for visiting. I can’t tell you how much it means to me and to Bobby.’

As he pushed back his chair and stood, she noticed him grab the edge of the table and grip it, a whisper of pain crossing his features. His body seemed to hesitate, as if every movement cost him more than he would ever let on.

‘Are you all right?’ She set Bobby down gently in his basket, then went to Christopher’s side, but he nodded and held up a hand.

‘Absolutely fine, dear. Just a twinge of arthritis. All to be expected when you reach your nineties.’

Rosa paused for a moment, yearning to ask if he’d seen the doctor but not wanting to pry. She touched his arm. ‘If you need anything, you have my number. Please call, anytime.’

‘You are very kind, Rosa. Thank you again,’ he said with a smile. ‘And Bobby says thank you for the cuddle.’

Outside the front door, Rosa turned and looked at Christopher. The urge to hug him was strong, but she didn’t know how he’d take it, so she gave a small wave instead and he waved back. As she walked along the path and out onto the pavement, her throat was tight and her eyes stung with tears. She had a feeling that Christopher wasn’t telling her everything and despite knowing him for just a short time, she was already very fond of him. People could be lonely whatever age they were. She’d been there, but to be elderly and lonely was deeply sad. She would befriend Christopher and help him with whatever he needed. Her aunt had always taught her to reach out if people seemed in need of support and it was something Rosa had always done, even when her own heart had been broken into a thousand tiny pieces.

And as for little Bobby, the tiny dog had already won her over, so she would be there for him too. Come what may…

7

HENRY

September had flown past and Henry was settled in his new routine. He’d decided that Saturday mornings were the perfect time to head to The Garden Café for breakfast to enjoy a treat or two.

It was cold out this morning, a proper autumnal day, with a brisk wind blowing in off the sea. The air was laced with salt and the earthy tones of fallen leaves along with the sweetness of wind-fallen fruit. Pale sunlight filtered through scattered clouds, its rays gently caressing the frothy waves. Gulls glided above, their calls carried on the wind like they were welcoming the autumn in and preparing for the winter ahead.

Henry had put on a warm jacket and a hat for his walk to the café and enjoyed the sensation of the cool air enveloping him while he walked. He loved being outdoors and found it a great way to blow off the cobwebs and to clear his mind. He had some schoolwork to do over the weekend, but he’d fit it in around doing some things he enjoyed. Early in his teaching career, he’s learnt the importance of balance to prevent burnout and maintain his effectiveness as a teacher.

When he reached the café, he ordered at the counter, then took a seat at a table near the window. Pearl’s granddaughter, Ellie Cordwell, brought his breakfast over and they chatted for a bit. Ellie was in a relationship with a local man called Jasper Holmes, who had two young children at the primary school — Mabel and Alfie. Henry had seen them at the school and around the village and they seemed very happy together. Whenever he saw a loving couple, it gave him hope it was possible to be happy with someone and that relationships didn’t have to be toxic.

He picked up the crusty roll and took a bite, then closed his eyes for a moment. The bacon was salty and crispy, the brie creamy and the cranberry sauce added the perfect tart yet sweet contrast. Henry rarely ate bacon because he knew it wasn’t good for him, but this was a treat so he’d enjoy it.

‘That good, eh?’

He opened his eyes to find Rosa smiling at him.

‘Sooo good. I recommend this one if you’re here for breakfast.’

‘I am. I’m meeting my friend, so I’ll consider ordering that…’ She peered at the roll.

‘It’s bacon, brie, and cranberry.’

‘It sounds delicious. Perhaps I’ll take one to the shop for Vinnie too.’ She glanced around and spotted a woman waving from the green leather sofa by the bookshelves. ‘Ah, there’s Sita.’

Henry smiled over at Rosa’s friend, then took a sip of his caramel latte. Sita Vandermeer and her husband Niels also had children at the school, so he was getting to know quite a few of the villagers via their children. Wherever he went in the village, he was going to bump into parents or pupils, but he didn’t mind because it was what he’d expect from a small community.

‘Are you here alone?’ Rosa asked.

‘I am.’

‘You could join us if you like?’

‘I wouldn’t want to intrude.’ He smiled and shook his head. ‘I’ve got a podcast to listen to and then I’ve got chores to do and errands to run. Thank you though. It’s very kind of you to offer.’

‘No problem.’ She smiled again, and he felt bad, like he might have offended her by declining.

‘Another time, perhaps? If you’d like to, that is.’

‘Another time.’ She nodded. ‘Enjoy your breakfast and I’ll see you soon.’

Before she could leave, his phone rang; he answered automatically then realised — too late — that it was his mother on FaceTime.

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