W: Why, do you think I need to see someone?
H: Maybe. Probably. Yeah.
W: OK, well… Like I said, Haz, I’ve stopped. And if that gets hard, or, you know, impossible, then I promise I’ll see someone about that, too. But I honestly think I’m through the worst of it now.
H: Great. Well, I’m, um… reassured, I suppose is the word.
W: Good. I’m glad.
H: So… D’you mean… erm, you haven’t had a drink tonight? Not even on New Year’s Eve?
W: I’ve had two glasses of Appletise.
H: Wow. Call me impressed.
W: OK,Impressed. But seriously, Harry, what do you think – about me coming home early, I mean?
H: Can we talk about it some more tomorrow?
W: Yes. Sure. Of course.
H: And don’t take that as a ‘no’. I know what you’re like and I’m really not saying ‘no’. As if I have the power to say ‘no’ anyway… Because as an adult, with free will and whatever, you’re obviously free to do whatever you want.
W: Obviously.
H: But I just want us both to sleep on it. And talk it all through properly tomorrow.
W: Sure. That’s fine.
H: I was going to suggest I come out and visit you for half term if you must know. I quite fancied seeing your place before you leave, but?—
W: Ooh, I quite like that idea. I’ve been feeling a bit sad about the fact you might never see the place. That it would always be sort of the one adventure we didn’t share. So, yes, let’s do it.
H: You’re sure?
W: Yes. Definitely. When is half term, anyway?
H: Mid-February. The twelfth or so.
W: That could work. Maybe I’ll stay on till then.
H: We can discuss that tomorrow too.
W: Yes. In 2024.
H: It already is 2024. How crazy is that? The years do fly by, don’t they?
W: They do. You know, I do love you, Harry. I don’t say it enough, but I do.
H: Cool. Because I love you, too.
W: Goodnight.
H: Goodnight.
W: You have to hang up now.
H: Or you do.