Anyway, I could have taken more photos. That happened to be a super friendly Seven Eleven! I hope you’re doing great and doing whatever makes you happy. I’m heading back to Canada in the spring. If you’d ever like to visit, see the sights, don’t be a stranger. Jx

When I’d finished reading Justin’s messages, our Kit slid an opened Cadbury’s selection box across the table. Along with Mabel, he’d sat with me as I’d read, for no other reason than to be there. The Wispa and the chocolate buttons had already mysteriously disappeared so I selected the Fudge, chewing the soft sweetness quietly. I’d passed my phone to Kit, opened the Dairy Milk and broke it into two halves to share with him as he read what Justin had to say. Mabel stopped nibbling my slouch socks; my feet were warm and heavy. I could feel her heartbeat as she slept, the gentle comforting vibrations of her snores.

‘What do you think?’ I’d asked.

‘First impressions. Justin? Fit.’

‘Oh, bloody hell, Kit!’

‘No, sis. Don’t bloody hell me. He’s kind, considerate, eloquent, writes well and for fuck’s sake, Chloe, he’s absolutely gorgeous. You asked what I think. Don’t ask if you don’t wanna hear.’

I’d snatched my phone back, looked at the pictures again, lingered on the one of Justin.

‘What do you think, though?’ Kit had asked, taking my hand in his.

‘I think … I’ll always wonder about the man sat in the shopping trolley.’

‘Even though you said he was just a bit of tourist tat?’

‘I’ve changed me mind.’

‘Thanks to Justin?’

‘Yeah. You see, I’d rather wonder what he’s doing. It’s better than not. Makes him real.’

Kit had squeezed my hand.

‘Do us a favour though, sis. Don’t go gallivanting off to find him again, will you? Okay? Let’s go to Jamaica and drink rum. Or fuck it. Let’s go to Disneyland.’

I’d kissed his cheek.

‘Deal.’

Then I’d replied to Justin.