Going Home

Part 63

After they finish eating Robert volunteered to wash the dishes and Grace offered to help.  This suited Margaret perfectly, she’d like a minute alone with Josh and this may be her last chance for a while. They were going home tomorrow and she needed to make some head way with Josh before they went. Who knew how long it would be before they were back. So deciding to make the most of the opportunity she turned to Josh and said “can we go for a walk? I’d like to show you something.”

When Grace heard Margaret’s request she watched Josh for his response hoping it would be positive. She knew they hadn’t really had a chance to talk yet.

Looking at his mother Josh wondered what she had in store for him, but after a minute he said “okay.” Then standing, Josh looked over at Grace before following Margaret outside.

As they strolled along Margaret gathered her courage and without looking at him apologised again for what she’d said earlier “Josh I’m really sorry about earlier I never meant to bring up anything that was painful for you.”

Josh frowned, he hated having to express himself and he didn’t normally do it except to Grace. But he could tell his mother was tearing herself up about this, so he attempted it.

“Don’t worry about it” he said “coming back has helped and I’d like to talk about Gavin, but I need some time.”

Relieved Margaret swallowed hard to clear the lump in her throat before she said “of course Josh, whenever you’re ready.”

Eager to change the subject Josh said “What did you want to show me?”

Smiling Margaret said “ah, something you may remember.”