Jess is finally going! That New Zealand holiday is at its dawn, and all she can think of is landscapes, walks and adventures. But what she does not expect to find, is what is waiting around the corner - someone.
Someone who will turn her holiday up...
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"Sam?"
"Hmm?"
"You have a minute?"
"Uh-"
"Yes, you have a minute."
Aunt Charlotte was scrutinising Uncle Sam over the pot she was stirring. His hands hung limp over a bowl, eyes lingering on the TV screen in front of him. He grinned, "I'm peeling your potatoes dear."
"Oh please." Aunt Charlotte rolled her eyes. And then added, "I have to talk to you about something."
Uncle Sam's brow creased. "That sounds serious."
"Well, it's just-" She sighed and put down the spoon she was holding, before rubbing a hand across her forehead. "I just feel that..." She trailed off, watching Uncle Sam walk over and come to a stop across the counter.
"What?"
"Good. Now I know I have your attention."
"I- what?"
Aunt Charlotte was grinning. "It's nothing that serious you joker, I just wanted to get you away from your precious." She pointed to the TV.
It was Uncle Sam's turn to roll his eyes. "You really have nothing to tell me?" He asked incredulously.
"No, no, I do." Here she smiled, savouring the suspense she held over her husband. "Did you realise how Jess didn't mention Obi Wan yesterday?"
Uncle Sam frowned. He knew very well which conversation his wife was speaking of, but the context made no sense to him.
"Dear, if you're worried for the welfare of the dog, I think he really is in quite safe hands with Jess. They adore each other."
"I know they adore each other. That's what made it so odd! She didn't once mention wanting to spend time with him and take him on his walks, to Edna. You'd think she would've brought it up. She didn't even mention him when she was saying why she likes walking-"
"You listened to their entire conversation?"
"Oh don't pretend you didn't." She cut across him, speaking briskly, "Then there was that day she got back late - for the first time. There was sand on her clothes." She looked knowingly at her husband, who blinked.
"Sand, Sam! Sand! She went to the beach!"
"What's so bad about the beach?"
Aunt Charlotte raised her eyebrows, "It's not bad, but do you really think she would have gone to the beach alone?"
Uncle Sam didn't say anything, but Aunt Charlotte could tell from his expression that the gears were finally turning.
"I think she's a little more cautious about things than we generally say she is."
