Read Chapter 31: — MAGGIE ARRIVES

Maggie came to Almar for the commissioning ceremony.

She had never visited one of Graham’s overseas projects during their marriage. Work had always existed as the thing that took him away.

Now Daniel walked her through a completed station concourse, past bilingual signs, polished platforms and photographs showing the construction years.

She stopped before one image of Graham, Daniel and Maya standing beside a tunnel rescue board.

“You all look exhausted.”

“We were.”

“And happy.”

Daniel considered it.

“Yes.”

Graham approached from the far end of the concourse.

For once, he seemed uncertain where to put his hands.

“Maggie.”

“Graham.”

Daniel immediately wanted to be somewhere else.

Maya appeared beside him.

“Don’t you dare leave. I’ve waited months for this.”

“You are a terrible person.”

“I’m your sister. Respect me.”

Maggie and Graham spoke awkwardly at first. Then she criticised his tie. He said she had always hated that tie. She replied that she had hated all his ties because he bought them at petrol stations.

Something loosened.

Later Maggie touched Maya’s cheek.

“You still hate socks?”

Maya laughed through tears.

“Yes.”

“Good. Some things survive.”