Suvi took the stub of a candle from her desk drawer and lit it, then felt in her pocket for her pipe and tabac. The moth eaten remains of a blanket provided some relief from the numbing cold. The building, now aloof and quiet, settled around her as she smoked, leaving her with nothing but her unhappy thoughts.
She looked at the carved galeet on the bowl and spoke. “Ludde is used to being alone. Probably happier like that anyway.” But she couldn’t disregard his whispered endearment and the devotion with which he had kissed her.
She tried again. “He’ll soon forget about me.” The galeet stared back at her with blank accusation in its eyes. “Stop it! I love Tom, not him. I can’t help that, can I?”
After finishing the pipe, she wished she had something to drink, but there was no point in loo
