Chapter 97

It’s too good to gorge while distracted, so I push it aside while focusing on the other packet that has my curiosity going haywire. I pull the little parcel towards me, turning it cautiously and trying to figure out what it is. My brain is entirely on this now, and I am so zoned on the distraction I realise I am feeling a little different. The sombre mood is on the up thanks to a cake, and even though I know this gift will probably sober me in some pissed-off way, I am enjoying the fact I now have cake. My insides are bubbly and cheerful, and my heavy, achy thundercloud looks a whole lot whiter and fluffy.

I carefully lift and shake it to see if I can figure out what it is and get a soft noise of something moving around faintly, turning it over to inspect the overly neat and professionally wrapped item. Quaint buses and tiny little Union Jacks glaring me in the face, and I envision Alexi for a moment calling me ‘London’ and smile strangely, a swelling feeling in my chest.