The other residents looked just as refreshed as they were pampered and fussed over, some even standing for a slow dance for all of one minute.
It was a lovely atmosphere, and one Will was glad to witness, even if it was from the corner of the room. He wished so badly he could sit with his grandmother, talk all things Christmas, and perhaps give her a hug. Babs was on top form, so there was no way he was going to risk triggering her by showing his face.
It no longer mattered how often he visited; he would always have to view her from afar, as not to scare her. For some reason, Babs just couldn’t take to him, often welling up and yelling for help.
Willard was her husband’s name, and it was triggering, so Will soon learned to keep his mouth shut, but it was hard. If he stayed in the background sometimes he’d catch a rare smile aimed his way, but it was polite, or maybe she was looking straight through him, he couldn’t be sure. It was just nice to see her relaxed.
Clare popped another mince pie in front of him, but he declined, asking if he could help out at all, as it was better than sitting there twiddling the foil the shop-bought mince pies came in.
‘You could play dominoes with Ted, bless him. Look, he’s just sitting there not wanting to be manhandled, as he calls it, by the spa ladies.’
That was an easy yes, and something that would help pass the time.
‘Oh, sent you over, have they?’ said the elderly gentleman, bobbing his head at the seat opposite him.
Will flashed him a friendly smile. ‘Well, I’m not getting pampered either, so Clare thought we could keep each other company.’
‘Go on then, park your arse.’
Will started setting up the game. ‘Do you fancy a mince pie, Ted?’
‘I fancy a pint, but that’s unlikely. They won’t even let me have a fag, and I really miss smoking.’ He wrinkled his nose in Clare’s direction. ‘Reminds me of my Sally. She was always watching my health as well. Fat lot of good that did me.’
‘Why do you say that? Look how long you’ve lived.’
Ted frowned. ‘Not exactly a blessing, son, when you’re stuck in here. I want to go out and watch the footie. They shove the telly in front of me in here. That’s no good to me. I want the atmosphere.’
‘We all have to slow down at some point.’
Ted scoffed. ‘Not me. I’ve always been fit as a fiddle, then one day, bosh! My legs decide to give up the ghost. I have to use that stupid thing.’ He tipped his head towards his walking aid. ‘I feel like I’m part trolley now.’
Will tried not to laugh. ‘So, how long have you been in here?’
‘Just over a year. Still, mustn’t grumble. They’re not a bad bunch. I just prefer to cook my own breakfast, you know? I don’t care what anyone says, there’s nothing wrong with fried sausages every morning. Not killed me yet.’
‘There’s nothing wrong with some porridge either, Ted.’
‘Oh, porridge smorridge. You eat it.’
Will couldn’t help but laugh as he moved his domino piece in place.
Ted glanced around. ‘My Sally would’ve liked all this. Loved a bit of fuss did that one. Never a hair out of place and always faffing with her nails.’ He swiped over his own. ‘That girl over there asked if I wanted a manicure. I’m ninety-two years old. Never had one of those in my life. Not about to start now, thank you very much.’
Will glanced at his own hands. ‘Mine could do with a clean-up.’
‘Well, that’s the trouble with you young’uns. Focus on all the wrong things.’
‘What should I be focusing on then?’
‘Love, son.’ Ted pointed his way. ‘If my years on this planet have taught me anything, it’s love matters most.’
Ginny sprung to mind, warming Will immediately.
‘How long did it take you to know you loved Sally?’ Will asked.
Ted smiled. ‘Straight away, son. I took one look at her and I just knew. Funny thing, eh?’
‘Do you believe in love at first sight then?’
