“Geordie. He was telling us last night how people forget even the most amazing experiences like we had because it doesn’t fit in with their worldview. That our brains think it’s easier to forget, than to try to make sense of all this new knowledge and experience.”

Timony nodded. “I’ve seen it happen. But only to those who wanted to forget. If you’re determined to remember, you will.”

“Do you think I’ll ever go back over . . . into the otherworld, I mean.” “I can take you right now.”

“Oh, no. I don’t think I’m ready just yet.”

“It doesn’t all have to be all monstrous conjurers and evil bogans, you know. I can show you simple marvels that offer no danger except for how they will make your heart swell to look upon them. Bodach markets and the winged dogs of New Forthfallow and fairy dances with music that will make you dance whether you want to or not.”

She nodded. “I’d like that. In time.”

“Then why did you call me?”

“Just to make sure that you’re real. To know that I could. I’m sorry that I took you away from what you were doing for no more than that.”

“You gave my life back to me,” Timony said. “You have only to ask me anything, and I will try to do it for you.”

She shook her head. “I don’t want there to be an obligation between us. I just want to be friends.”

“We are friends,” he assured her. “But the obligation remains whether you want it or not. It’s the doonie way, and I can’t change it any more than you can turn into a pony.”

“How do you know I can’t?”

He cocked his head and pretended to study her.

“You have me there,” he said. “I don’t. Shall we go for a gallop?”

“No. I should get back to the hotel. God, I slept with Con last night—can you believe it?”

He smiled. “I don’t know. If you tell me you did, then I do. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?”

“It’s just confusing. But why am I telling you this? You don’t know him or anything about my life before we met in the wood.”

“But I’d like to know more,” he said. “And we’ll have time for that, don’t you think? And I really want to hear you play again, especially with your band.”

“I’ll remember to call you to me when we have our next gig.”

“Is it long from now?” he asked.

“No, it’s on the weekend.”

She stood up and shook out her towel before rolling it up under her arm. “I really should get back,” she said.

He stood up as well.