Melodies of a stranger

Chapter 8

Riftan collected Maxi from her house an hour later in his car, after exchanging numbers and with strict instructions to wear comfortable clothes that were easy to move in.

"Where are we going?"

"It's a surprise, it's about an hour away so make yourself comfortable."

Riftan started to drive out of central London and towards the suburbs.

"Want to tell me why you were upset?"

He cast a glance at her

"... I lost a patient in work today. I've been looking after him for months."

"I'm sorry, that's rough."

"No, don't apologise, it comes with the territory. Most of the time, I can deal with it, but every now and again someone slips through your defences, and you become attached."

Maxi looked down at her hands. Riftan shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

"How about you? Are you ok now?"

Riftan thought for a long second before replying.

"I'm not ok, but I'm grateful for the company."

With his tone, he had made it clear that the subject was no longer open to discussion.

"What do you do with your day, beside busking that is?"

"Work mostly. I work in the courts doing an admin job. It's nowhere near as exciting as it sounds. Sometimes I go out or play games with my housemates. Otherwise I generally practice. I realise we don't actually know that much about each other. Tell me about yourself. How did you get into Nursing?"

"When I was younger I had a stutter, and I worked with a speech and language therapist who really helped me. The only time you can tell I've got a stutter now is if I'm overwhelmed. So I originally wanted to go into that, but when my Mother got sick, I spent a lot of time in the hospital and saw how much of a difference Nurses can make to those they care for. I like knowing that I'm helping. I can't see myself do anything else now."

"You sound like you love your job."

"I do, it's hard work and stressful but worth it."

"Is your Mum better now?"

"No, she... she died. I don't have the best relationship with my Dad. Rosetta's the only family I have left."

Riftan considered what she said.

"My Mum died when I was a teen as well. I miss her every day."

Maxi turned her grey orbs towards him. She needed a way to reach him, to comfort him. Words would never be enough. She reached out towards where he rested his hand on the gear stick. She threaded her fingers through his.

Maxi heard a small gasp. He didn't pull away from her. His hands were warm.

After a short period, Maxi withdrew her hand and blushed. Since when had she gotten so forward?

⚝──⭒─⭑─⭒──⚝

Shortly afterwards Riftan pulled in front of the stables where he had been coming for years.

He had always dreamed of owning a horse, but this was expensive and was impractical in central London. Kunel Osban, the stable owner walked over on seeing Riftan.

"Hey Champ, I didn't know you were coming today. Luckily, I've just finished giving Talon a clean so give me a few minutes, you'll be able to take him out."