Page 65 of The Secret We Keep
It’s nine by the time I’ve eaten, washed up and settled on the sofa. Stopping doom scrolling on my phone, I message Andy at the repair shop. He confirms I can swing by before I plan on seeing Tom.
Tom doesn’t know it, but after some careful consideration, I’m going to ask for a few hours at work.
I know he said he would let me know when he wants me back, but I know in the deepest parts of my soul that if I don’t attempt to go back sooner rather than later, I’ll lose my touch. I didn’t work as hard as I have to let it simply fade away.
Hannah unknowingly lifted some of the weight I’ve been carrying around with me. Her forgiveness hasn’t lessened the way that I feel, but it certainly feels a lot lighter to bear.
Just about to swipe away my messages, I notice Morgan online. For a split second, I think about messaging her. It seems like today was a day for small wins. But I don’t want to ruin it. Besides, I’m a man with a lot of shit still to sort out. What with her father, her arsehole brother and it being her first day at her new job, I decide it’s best to leave things as they are.
I reach for my beer, placing my phone on the table in front of me. It lights up as soon as it hits the wood.
Morgan: They’re beautiful
She sends me a picture of the sunflowers in a vase on her windowsill. I know it’s her room because in the corner of the picture she’s sent, I can just about make out the photos stuck to the side of a mirror. I can see one of me.
She kept that?
I still remember what I said to you when you took that photo
Morgan: Which one?
In the photo you sent, I can see the picture on the mirror. I remember what I said to you
Morgan: You do?
I told you a picture would last longer. Well, did it?
Morgan: Did what?
Did the picture help you to remember me all those years?
A few minutes later, her next message comes through. And like an explosion in my chest, I didn’t realise her words would hit me so hard.
Morgan: I didn’t need the picture to remember you, Paddy O’Keefe
You were pretty hard to forget, too, curlyfries
Again, she takes a few moments before she replies.
Morgan: I took Kevin to the old oak tree this evening
I’m sorry I wasn’t there
Morgan: Don’t be. It was quite nice just me and him. I managed to do some writing while he slept
My lips curl as I type my reply, realising I’m now jealous of a dog.
Sounds peaceful. Did you see my mum?
Morgan: No, I broke in and stole Kevin right out from under her nose, right after Evie showed me her trophy and new belt
Was that a joke, curly fries?
Morgan: It was! Of course, your mum tried inviting me in for coffee, but I was already later than I said I’d be. I didn’t want to put her out
It was coffee, Morgs. Takes like, what, five minutes to make?
Morgan: Yes, but I like five sugars. I didn’t want to be THATgirl and cause a fuss
