Emma found a framed picture of pressed flowers that she put in the display cabinet with a sign saying A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS. I reckon it’s worth nothing, but we’ll see.

The shoes are a definite winner.

PS: I’m a free agent now. No more exams. But now starts the horrible wait for results. Seriously, school is basically an endless string of unavoidable events that make you feel literally sick.

Friday, June 22 #WhatHaveIAgreedTo

Today Polly was like: “Have you ever been to Tooting Lido?”

Me: Never. I don’t believe in outdoor swimming. Where is it?

Polly: Tooting.

Me: You’re funny.

Polly: I know. That’s why I’m your favorite.

Me (thinking: She’s right, she is still my favorite.): Why?

Polly: Because Tristan and I want to go on Sunday.

Me: Have fun.

Polly: And we were wondering if you wanted to come.

Me: And watch you guys make out in a swimming pool? Let me think … eeeeehm, no!

Polly: It won’t be like that.

Me: You say that now, but then you see him in his swimming trunks with his skinny little legs poking out, and you’ll be like: OMG, I must lick all that immediately.

Polly:…

Me: What?

Polly: That’s what you think of me, isn’t it? That I’m a sex-crazed maniac.

Me:…

Polly: I actually love spending time with Tristan, and I love spending time with you, so why is it so difficult for your smart brain to process that maybe I just want to have my two favorite people in the same place every once in a while?

Me:…

Polly: So are you coming or not?

Me: I’m coming.

Polly: Good. Geeez! It’s like drawing blood from a stone with you.

PS: I’ve just messaged Emma to ask if she wants to go to the lido, and she was like:

Yes, I love swimming.

Oh my God, I hate swimming.

Kill me.

Saturday, June 23 #Aftermath

Saturdays at the thrift shop are so weird without Bill and Melanie.

Pat was in today, and it was the first time I’d seen her since the funeral.

Kate: Pat, why don’t you go home and get some rest?

Pat: Thanks, Kate, but I prefer to stay busy.

Kate: All right, but don’t forget to look after yourself. It’s all well and good you looking after Bill, but you’re no good to anyone if you end up having a nervous breakdown.

And then Emma was like: “Do you think I should ask if Bill wants to come to my meetings? I know Melanie didn’t die of cancer, but a loss is a loss.”

Kate (biting her lip, looking into the middle distance): To be honest, pet, I don’t think Bill is ready for anything like that.

Emma: Maybe.

Me (finally): What meetings are they?

Emma: I go to meetings with people who’ve lost people to cancer.

Me: Okay.

Emma: I like going.

Me: Okay.

Emma: I think it keeps me sane.