Trish pulled back the blind and peered onto the street. The salesman was at the Gambles’ now, just over the road. Knowing he’d soon be with her, she felt nerves ripple through her body. She knew it was pathetic, but since his last visit she’d been unable to think of anything but his return. There was no denying his good looks, but - and perhaps she was imagining it - there’d also been a kindness in his eyes, something that suggested he’d understand her circumstance.
She stepped away from the window and pulled her straggly blonde hair into a ponytail. It really needed cutting, but Xavier was still on holiday and she enjoyed his home visits for the social – as much as practical - reasons.
‘Girl, you need to get out there again,’ he said last time he'd been over. ‘Sorry to say this, but it ain’t right that you’re stuck in this house all the time.’
Of course she agreed with him, but what she didn't say – because she wasn't sure he’d understand – was that it wasn’t that easy. Since the accident the very thought of stepping outside filled her with a bone aching dread. What had once been as natural as waking was now a challenge she knew she couldn’t face. And God knew she’d tried enough times.
Hearing the knock on the door, she felt herself root to the spot. What if she’d imagined that he’d been flirting with her last time? What if, when she asked him in for a cup of coffee, he made his excuses and left? What if-,
She cut her questioning mind short and made her way to the front door. Life had been strange for too long, she knew that. It was time for some normality.
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