Mack flagged one down and they got in. Flora’s head was pounding, as it always did when she cried, so she went into her handbag and got a few painkillers and a bottle of water. She had prepared knowing this would be likely.

Reading her mood, Mack simply held her hand on the taxi ride over to the museum. She needed just to calm and collect her thoughts. When they arrived, again the driver tried to give them a free ride, which was weird. She would need to ask Mack about that.

They got out and Mack said, “Kelvingrove Art Gallery. I’ve always driven past here and never been in. I don’t think this was the place school took us to.”

The beautiful Victorian red sandstone building was surrounded with pleasant grass, trees, and benches.

“Can we have a seat over there before we go in?”

“Aye, let’s go.”

They sat down, and Mack looked at her, waiting for her to talk. Flora knew what she had to say, but getting started was a difficult thing. She opened her mouth, but something else came out. “The art gallery was built in 1888. It’s a lovely building, isn’t it?”

Mack smiled. “It is.”

“It’s Baroque architecture.”

“What’s that?”

“A style of art, architecture, music, dancing, that kind of thing that flourished in the seventeenth century.”

“Wow,” Mack said, “you know everything.”

Flora laughed. “No, I don’t. I’m just interested in learning facts that most people would find boring.”

“Well, I want you on my pub quiz team, I know that.”

Flora’s head dropped knowing she had to talk about what happened at the therapist.

“Is everything all right, Flo?” Mack asked. “Did you like Dr. Carrson?”

Flora nodded. “She was lovely. So sympathetic and understanding. I’ll go back.”

Mack grasped her hand tightly. “I’m so proud of you. Today was a big step for you.”

“I couldn’t have done it without you. Your support is something that I’ve always—” Flora wanted to say craved. But instead she said, “I’ve always wanted.”

Mack moved closer and put her arm around her shoulders. “That makes me happy.” Mack motioned to her arm on Flora’s shoulders. “Is this okay?”

Flora gave her a shy smile. “Yes, it’s nice.” She cleared her throat. “This is so hard.”

“What is?” Mack said. “You don’t have to tell me anything, you know.”

“I told Dr. Carrson about you. She recognized your name.”

“Did she tell you to run?” Mack was only half joking.

“No, she recognized your name because she volunteers once a month at a homeless group run by your family.”