Page 95 of The Shape of Your Heart
‘What is it?’ Josefine frowns at me.
‘It’s my dad’s birthday,’ I say at last.
She looks at me oddly.
‘He’s been really ill. He almost died.’ My vision blurs. ‘I can’t believe I’ve forgotten his birthday.’ Rummaging in my rucksack, I unzip the pocket and take out the compass. ‘Before I left, he gave me this. It used to be his.’
She takes it carefully. ‘This is beautiful. And it’s perfect, don’t you see? With this, wherever you are, you’ll find your way.’
As I look at her, a strange feeling comes over me. ‘It hasn’t felt like that, but I think you’re right.’
‘Ah, Callie.’ Her arms go around me. ‘Go. Call him. I’ll wait here.’
Walking away, I find my parents’ number and call them. My mother answers almost immediately.
‘Callie! Where are you? Are you all right? I hope you’re eating enough. And I hope you’re being careful.’
‘Mum! Stop! I’m fine. And I’m eating enough. It’s wonderful here. Do you have a date for moving yet?’
‘Next week,’ she says hurriedly. ‘I’m so sorry, but I’m just about to go out. I have to take Sasha to the hospital. Her foot has swollen up.’
Thinking of Sasha and my mother together, I feel a pang of homesickness. ‘I hope she’s OK. Give her my love.’
‘I will. Let me pass you over to your father.’
‘Hello, darling.’ My father sounds bright. ‘How’s it going over there?’
‘Happy birthday, Dad.’ For no reason, there’s a lump in my throat. ‘It’s wonderful here – really beautiful and peaceful. I’m loving it.’
‘I’m so pleased.’ He sounds like he’s smiling.
‘So are you up to anything today?’ I want to keep him there, savour the feeling of comfort his voice brings.
‘Apart from having a lie-in,’ he chuckles. ‘Your mother says we’re having a few people over tonight. As if we haven’t enough to do, what with moving next week.’
Suddenly I remember Spanish time is an hour ahead of England. ‘Sorry. I hadn’t realised how early it was.’ But here, days have come to revolve around daylight hours. I don’t even measure time the way I used to.
‘Not at all. I’m just enjoying the peace and quiet before I go and face a little more packing. This move can’t happen soon enough. It’s like we’re camping – no offence. But I want to unpack and have a home again.’
‘You will have before long.’ I pause. ‘So how are you – really?’
‘Don’t you worry yourself about me. All in all, I’m not bad. I’ve had another check-up and my consultant is very happy with me.’
‘That’s really great.’ Relief fills me. ‘Look, I should probably go. Have the best day, Dad. I love you.’
‘I love you, too.’ He sounds emotional. ‘I hope that compass is coming in useful.’
‘More than you know,’ I say softly.
Going back to Josefine, I sit on the grass and tell her about my dad, then about my childhood; then about his heart attacks when we all thought we were going to lose him; how my parents are moving from our family home. She listens until I finish speaking.
Her eyes are kind. ‘You are lucky to have known all that love.’
‘I am lucky.’ I blow my nose. ‘I haven’t said it to my parents, but them moving now feels like the end of a huge chapter of my life.’
‘I get that. Chapters end, but new ones begin… That happens in life.’ She pauses. ‘You may think I’m mad, but I don’t think we ever really lose the people we love. My girl still talks to me.’
I think of that day in Cornwall, when I could have sworn I heard Liam’s voice. ‘I don’t think you’re mad. There was one time, on the beach… I just knew Liam was with me.’ I frown. ‘It took a while, though.’
