Chapter 8

He was woken by a thunderous hammering on the door, and outraged squawking.

“Marc, boyo! Are you in there?” a male voice shouted. Followed by, “Get on out of it, you stupid creatures!” followed by more squawking.

Dai.

He shuffled to the door, blinking sleep from his eyes. It was a beautiful sunlit January day now, still cold, but the frost had melted off.

“Dai,” he said.

“Marc! You’re back!” Dai stepped into the porch and pulled him into a rough hug. “It’s good to see you, man!”

Marc let himself be held. Dai was probably the closest thing to a brother he had and it was comforting to be wrapped in the familiar arms for a moment.

“How long are you back for?” Dai asked, releasing him and stepping back to hold him at arm’s length, examining his face. “You look tired. Is that what’s-his-name, David, with you?”

Marc shook his head. “Back for good, yes, I’m bloody knackered and no, we’ve split,” he said. “In that order.”