Page 114 of Serenity Falls

‘Just a migraine,’ I say.

‘Really?’ She glances at my shirt.

I look down. ‘And a nosebleed. Bad choice of shirt, I know.’

‘You get them often, these migraines?’

‘Only since moving here.’

The ghost of my wife is new too.

‘You should see a doctor if they keep happening.’

‘I’m sure it’s just stress or something. A good night’s sleep will probably help.’

‘Maybe. But you shouldn’t ignore these things.’

‘I’ll think about it.’

She rolls her eyes. ‘Spoken like a true man. I swear you’re all allergic to doctors.’ She softens it with a smile and grabs her bag. ‘I should probably get back too.’

‘Shouldn’t we pay, or is that not a thing in Serenity Falls?’

‘Oh, don’t worry. I took care of it.’

‘But I asked you out.’

‘And I am repaying that favour by picking up the tab.’ She squints. ‘You’re not going to go all chauvinistic on me, are you?’

‘On a teacher’s salary? Definitely not. Thank you.’

‘You’re welcome.’

This is probably where I should say I hope to return the favour or that I’ve had a nice evening, but my head is still aching, and the wine is sitting sourly in my stomach.

Lori frowns. ‘You know, you look a little pale.’

‘I’ll be fine. Fresh air will help.’

We walk towards the door. We’re the only ones left in the café. The clock on the wall informs me that it’s just gone quarter to ten. Not late. But then I remember the curfew. I’m not sure I like it. I’m an adult. I don’t want anyone telling me when I can quit drinking or go to bed. But maybe, as Lori says, I’ll get used to it. A new normal.

The evening isn’t exactly fresh, but it’s less humid and suffocating than the day. I feel my head loosen a little, the sickness begin to fade.

‘Can I walk you home?’ I offer.

‘Thanks,’ Lori says. ‘I think I’m heading in your direction anyway.’

We stroll away from the restaurant back towards the town square. I can see that more preparations have been made for the fiftieth celebrations. There are stalls set up and banners and bunting. Every single building now has colourful flags and strings of lights.

‘Looks like it’s going to be quite a party,’ I say.

‘Yes. They’re going to decorate all the store fronts too, and I think there’s talk of some kind of a light show on the lake.’

We stop in front of the statue of Winsom. Lori looks up at it.

‘You know, Harold would have been so happy to see this.’

‘I guess the man who invented Winsom Wonderland enjoyed a big show.’