Putting Down ROOTS

I’m definitely not looking forward to this weekend,’ Erica grumbled, as she zipped up her overnight case.

‘You don’t have to go if you don’t feel ready,’ her sister Heather said. ‘Tell Ryan you’re not well, or something’s come up at work.’

Erica shook her head. ‘I was tempted to do that. But his uncle, Philip, was good to me and Ryan. The least I can do is attend his memorial service.’

Heather nodded and Erica went on, ‘Besides, the memorial isn’t the problem. I just don’t like the thought of having to stay – no matter how briefly – in the same house as my ex-boyfriend and…’ She wrinkled her nose before adding, ‘Kelly – his girlfriend, partner, or whatever you want to call her.’

‘What’s she like?’

‘I don’t know anything about her,’ Erica said. ‘While Philip was ill, Ryan used to ring me every week to update me on his progress. During one of his calls he mentioned that he’d grown fond of this woman called Kelly.’

Heather tutted. ‘And that’s all he said?’