Fresh Mountain Start

12

'How was your day? Did you go down to the village?'

'I went up, actually. Met some of the neighbours, and then went down into the resort on the far side. My legs are killing me, walking up and down. How was work?'

'My work? I mean, it was good, yeah.'

'Good.'

'You feeling better?'

'I think so.'

He stretched on the sofa, but didn't stand; his legs really were killing him.

'We've been invited to lunch by the neighbours.'

'That sounds good.'

'And I think I want to speak to a counsellor.'

'What?'

'What you heard,' John said. 'I think I want- no. I think I need to speak to someone.'

'I... do I need to do anything?'

'No, no,' John said. 'I'll sort it out online. Don't worry.'

'Is everything-'

'I love you, Gary,' John said. 'You know that, right?'

'I do,' he answered. 'Is this to do with-'

'I don't think my monster will be bothering me for a while,' John said. 'But it's probably a good idea to make sure.'