THE CHARM

I see her in the distance. Her newly dyed bright red hair, the purple rucksack Pete bought her for Christmas, even though I’d specifically asked him not to. I’d known what it would encourage, and I was right. She’s almost at the security check but has stopped. She seems to be looking for something. Her passport I imagine, the one I’d put in my drawer for safekeeping, the one she’d agreed she didn’t need now she’d decided not to go.

‘Laura!’ I call out. ‘Wait!’ But the departures lounge is busy and the crowd swallows my tiny voice. As I begin to run towards her I reflect; maybe it’s a good thing she didn’t hear me. I can only imagine her reaction.