Читать книгу The Last Family in England - Matt Haig - Страница 16

mess

When Kate came home Adam asked her how her father was. She didn’t answer him, at least not directly.

‘Who’s left that there?’ she said.

‘What?’

‘The dog’s lead. Why hasn’t it been put away?’

‘I was going to. I got hurled abuse by some kids in the park. I used to teach them –’

Kate moved forward, into the kitchen. ‘Oh, Adam, look at all this mess.’

‘Love, I’m sorry. Come on, sit down. You look exhausted.’

I went over to smell her, and it was the same as it was most nights. Hospital smells. Grandpa Bill. She must have been holding his hand, I noted, as I sniffed her own. And she must have been holding it for a long time because it was stronger than the night before, when they had all gone to visit him together.

Kate looked down as I sniffed and she smiled her soft smile. The smile she saved for me. ‘Hello, Prince.’