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The night markets are abuzz with activity, and Henley and I amble along, soaking in the atmosphere. It’s been a great day, the best.
We walk into a shell stall and look around; Henley picks up a huge white shell and smiles as he looks down at it. “My mom used to love these shells.”
“Did she?”
That’s the first time he has ever mentioned what she was like.
“Yeah.” He puts it back on the shelf.
“Can we get it?” I ask.
“Why would you want that?”
“Because your mom would love to have a shell at my place,” I say casually as I keep looking around.
He scrunches his nose.
“I’m going to get it.” I take it to the counter and pay the lady as he waits outside the store. Eventually I join him. “I got it.” I smile.
He nods. “Okay.” We start ambling back up the street.
“Can I ask you a question?”
“Yeah.”
“Have you ever been to grief therapy . . . you know, specifically about your mom?”
“No point,” he says as he looks around. “My mom died. Lots of people’s moms die. I’ve done enough therapy already.”
“You know, I’ve done some research. There’s a place called Camp Angel. It’s a specific facility where they treat grief.” This place is hardcore. They don’t let you out until you are on your way to a full recovery.
“Why would I want to go there?”
“So you can face your demons.”
“I don’t need to go to a camp to do that.” He smiles, amused. “I face them every day.”
Oh . . .
“Just a thought.” I shrug.
He puts his arm around me, and we keep shopping. He digs into his pocket and answers his phone with a smile. “Hi, Jen.”
Ugh . . . fucking Jenny. She’s called him every day, and it has had nothing to do with work.
“Yeah?” He listens as I pretend not to. “Beach day today.” He listens again and then laughs.
My inner jealous bitch rears her ugly head. We walk through the shops as he happily chats away with her while holding my hand.
I know he’s innocent. He wouldn’t be so happy to talk to her with me here if he wasn’t.
Her . . . I don’t trust for a second.
I wind my finger in the air to signify to wind it up.
“I’ve got to go, Jen.”
“I miss you,” I hear her say.
