‘Kindly call, about your article,’ reads Comma’s first message. She’d sent it at 7 p.m. yesterday. Her second message was sent at 8.20 p.m. and I read it with some trepidation—I’m sure she’s admonished me for not calling her back after her first message.

‘Nothing urgent. Article a surprise, well done, do call,’ reads the second one.

I re-read it—it’s not nasty. Comma has praised me. I read it again—yes—she has indeed said something nice to me and it makes me very happy.

‘I suppose that call was a pleasant one—you’re really smiling like it’s the best thing you’ve ever heard,’ Sid says, walking into the bedroom.

He stops at the bathroom door with the newspaper in his hand. It’s time for his morning potty crossword.

‘Yes—but it wasn’t the call. My boss, she sent a very nice text about an article I wrote for this week’s paper,’ I say.

‘You should show it to me. Isn’t this your first article? We should celebrate,’ Sid says.

‘I—I didn’t know—How did you know that this was my first article? I thought you didn’t notice. Unfortunately I don’t have a copy of the paper with me—sorry,’ I mumble.

I really like how Sid looks in a pyjama-kurta with his short, thick hair all tousled.

‘I do notice what you do, Polly,’ he says softly.

I don’t know if I’m imagining it but he looked momentarily regretful.

‘Let’s discuss your celebration—maybe dinner and a movie—once I come out; I’ve really got to go,’ Sid winks at me and goes into the bathroom.

Sid just winked at me, I can’t believe it; he has never, ever done it before. That’s three good things in one morning—Comma’s message and the positive feedback being the other two.

This is turning into a great morning! Why can’t every day be like this?

I could kill Dragon! Thanks to her I’m now home alone. She usurped every minute the moment Sid came out of the bathroom.

Sid usually works for half a day on Saturdays and now the free half has been taken over by Dragon. He’s gone to drop her off to her cousin’s house. Apparently they haven’t met for the last six years and it was absolutely imperative that Sid meet her as well.

Somehow I feel Dragon senses when Sid and I have the merest intention of spending time together and always finds some relative she needs to visit. While I’d rather Sid was here with me, it’s good to know Dragon will be gone for the rest of the weekend.