Page 76 of The Time of My Afterlife

We stare at each other for a few seconds, and she tenderly wipes away my tear with her thumb.

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FLORENCE

His hug was surprisingly comforting and reassuring. He held me tight until I could cry no more. Hearing him explain how he’d sat in his car in the hospital car park, praying I wouldn’t lose the baby, made my anger towards him evaporate.

It was also shocking to hear about Gail’s miscarriage. I had no idea they all went through that and I can understand why he sat and waited for news.

He’s apologised profusely for masquerading as Chris.

His words are still echoing in my ears as we resume our journey. ‘I just wanted to make sure you were okay and to get you smiling again.’

I have a nagging thought that won’t leave me alone – Clark, my childhood enemy, might have been on my side all along.

We are making lots of eye contact, and he’s made me laugh a few times.

‘Do you know what we should do?’ he suggests.

‘What?’

He fiddles with his car stereo. ‘Listen to Jane’s podcast.’

I gasp. ‘That’s a great idea.’

He hands me his phone, which is connected to the car’s speakers. ‘It’s on my Spotify. I downloaded the episode earlier.’

I find Jane’s podcast and admire her artwork. ‘I love her cover.’

‘It’s so eye-catching, isn’t it?’ He laughs. ‘Better than the artwork I made for my own podcast.’

I smirk mischievously. ‘The odd-shaped football.’

‘Careful,’ he jokes.

I press the play button and turn up the volume.

The car suddenly fills with a lonely, wistful melody. Then it blooms into something warmer and more vibrant. Clark and I share a shocked look.

‘She followed your advice,’ he says, tapping the steering wheel. ‘It’s a lot better than my funeral march piece.’

‘I’m proud of her,’ I say. ‘While we were acting like kids, she went home, changed the music and smashed it.’

Jane’s voice comes through Clark’s car speakers.

‘“Welcome to The Lonely-Hearts Podcast. In each episode, I read out anonymous letters from lonely hearts, hoping that one day they’ll find the courage to break free from their loneliness.

‘“I’m not a trained medical professional. I’m just someone who is still going through hell after my partner died. The loneliness I have experienced is unlike any I have ever felt.

‘“It has been a dark period in my life. I have felt alone and vulnerable.

‘“Creating this podcast is my escape from loneliness.

‘“My podcast is simply a listening post for those of us who feel lonely and are starting to wonder whether they will feel loved again. You will hear stories from new listeners and updates from our regulars on how they are doing in their fight against loneliness.”’

We both look at each other like two excited children.

‘This sounds amazing,’ I exclaim. ‘Oh, Jane, you sound so good.’