Very precise, thought Ruby. “We were just talking about the neighbors,” she said. “Have you met any of them?” Was she babbling, talking too fast? Ruby thought perhaps the woman hadn’t heard, and was about to repeat herself when Constance shook her head.

“No.” There was a trace of an accent. “I don’t really go out.”

She looked at the child, at how pale she was except for those cheeks. Leonie moved toward her mother without taking her eyes from Ruby, who smiled in a friendly way to try to put everyone at ease.

“I just met the woman who lives underneath you,” said Ruby. “She seems nice.”

“I don’t know her.” Constance narrowed her eyes at Ruby, then glanced at Gregor. “How do you two know each other, again?” Scottish, that was the accent. But softer, somehow worn at the edges, musical.

“We, er, don’t—not really. I bumped into Gregor out there this afternoon, but when I got back to my flat, I couldn’t find my phone. I’m always leaving it places.” She turned to him. “I meant to ask: Did you happen to see it?”

His eyebrows went up. “No, sorry. I would have brought it back to you if I had. Was it not there when you went back?”

She shook her head no.

“You could try the police station Lost Property? Someone might have handed it in.”

The idea of the police station Lost Property made her feel tired. She wondered if she even needed a phone. She only used it to play music and to ignore calls from her family. “I’ve probably lost it in the flat somewhere. Wouldn’t be the first time.” Maybe Sam was right, and life would be simpler and healthier without technology. She could get a record player. The more she thought about it, the less likely it seemed that the phone had been stolen. She should really have checked inside the bin.

Ruby sat down cross-legged on the carpet, in front of Leonie.

“Hi,” she said.

The baby dropped to her bottom and shuffled across the room in a sort of traveling lotus position, using her feet to propel her forward in little bum-hops.

“That’s an interesting way of getting around,” said Ruby to Constance.

It seemed as if Constance wasn’t going to talk anymore, but then she gave a slow blink and said, “Yep. She doesn’t like to crawl. It’s not quick enough, apparently. She’s a speedy one.”

They heard the kettle being switched on and the water beginning to boil. Gregor whistled tunelessly as he opened and closed the cupboards and the fridge.

Leonie was heading toward Ruby with a toy lion in her hands. “Is that for me?” she said when the baby was close to her.

Leonie thrust the toy at her. “Line” was what it sounded like.

“Lion! Amazing job, well done! What else have you got in there?”