Lola had replied with a "Pleased to meet you, Eva."She then explained that she had "a couple of places to dash" but would be home in about half an hour. I couldn"t imagine her dashing anywhere as, not only was she clearly quite elderly, but she seemed relaxed and unhurried, a state of mind that I suspect often comes with age rather than a physical need. Although my body was tired and heavy with worry, I didn"t want to go home yet as that felt like submission – I hadn"t lost Annie at home, I"d lost her here somewhere or somehow. And I"d already decided that I was going to join Lola for a cup of tea at her cottage at the end of Mill Street.
Lola smiled and walked away and I was alone again with my thoughts. I stayed in the park for a few more minutes before I slowly stood and strolled back
