Chapter 7

In the twilight, bats flitted overhead catching insects attracted to lights inside our cottage. Outside security lights clicked on as the darkness increased but barely a sound could be heard. This was a quiet place. Peaceful. Vastly different to my noisy flat and the twenty-four-hour bustle of the streets beyond.

“More beer?”

Anika passed me another which I sipped while leaning back, gazing at the sky. Without light pollution, the inky blackness glittered with a billion stars.

“See that?” I said, pointing. “Shooting star.”

“Ah…missed it. Hope you made a wish.”

I hadn’t. My wishes had a habit of being snatched away. I shivered. “It’s getting cold.”

“Yeah, we should get inside.” Anika stacked the plates and reached for my empty beer bottle.

“Leave that, I’ll sort the dishes.”

“You sure?”

“Of course,” I insisted. “You cooked so I’ll clean.”