Matt hung his crumpled jacket on the branch of a tree and rolled up his sleeves. After downing a beer, he led Petra out on to the dance area in front of the band. Dancing with energy if not grace Matt moved around the circle of shy onlookers dragging them on to the makeshift dance floor until the road echoed to a roar as all ages belted out the chorus to ‘Hi Ho Silver Lining’ arms raised, fists clenched. Beneath the sweat, the laughter, the matey claps on the back, Petra sensed his need to slough off whatever he’d seen and whatever he’d done when he was away.
When it was dark they slunk off back to her cottage without saying goodbye to anyone and walked side by side, good companions, along the quiet street.
‘Do you ever wonder what’s the point of it all?’ Matt slipped his arm around her
