Juvenile Game

‘Is, um, is Kieran here?’ I asked, hoping to see him. ‘He’s with Beata,’ Claire said. ‘He’s been taking care of her ever since she had that…accident.’ Accident, my ass. Beata knocked her own stubborn head against a chair in order to frame me. ‘I hope she’s feeling better.’ ‘Oh, she is. But she’s been dreaming about her late husband these past couple of days. Kieran looks a lot like his grandpa. So Beata’s insisting that Kieran stay by her side. She’s the birthday girl, so we oblige.’ Claire shrugged. I nodded, still unsure about the purpose of her visit. ‘He’ll come find you once he can get away.’ Claire rose. ‘Why don’t you get changed? There’s a small gathering in the garden downstairs. Join us. I’ll introduce you to some friends.’ It wasn’t so much an invitation as an order. Being put on the spot, I couldn’t think fast enough of a reason to turn it down. ‘Okay. Give me a few minutes to freshen up.’ She waited in the sitting area while I changed into a printed shift dress in the bath