I got up from sitting on the stairs. I was standing by the hall mirror. My hall mirror, the overmantle, with the gilt frame. It was one I was used to seeing my reflection in a lot. My cheeks were flushed and my eyes bright, reminding me of someone. I realized it was myself, years ago, when I was young. When I had my own light, my crushes, my possibilities. Could it be that light was back? I went to get my coat from the kitchen and put it on. Then I plucked my phone from my pocket and sent Josh a text, which he’d get when he woke up, saying I’d gone, but bad luck, I’d be back. Then I sent Dan one, saying I needed a chat, and could I pop round tonight. I pocketed it and headed for the door, shutting it behind me as softly as possible.

I tucked my key under the flowerpot for Trisha. As my feet tripped down the steps, it seemed to me they were lighter than they’d been for a very long time. Indeed, I wondered if I’d ever so much as tripped down these steps in my life. Like a dancer, almost. That made me smile, as dancing used to be a strong suit, and had come naturally once. Still smiling foolishly, I passed a young guy in the street. He grinned back, surprised. I was embarrassed and glanced down at my feet, but as I rounded the corner out of sight, I threw my head back and laughed softly to the heavens, much as Josh had done in the garden. Then I hastened away to my car.

THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING

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