Page 112 of In at the Deep End

Jamie gave a solemn nod. “Okay.”

Owen leaned closer to Matt and lowered his voice. “I don’t think he understood the joke.”

“I think he just promised not to tell anyone,” Matt whispered back.

Owen’s quiet, uncomplicated kindness felt as natural as breathing.

When the episode ended, Jamie climbed off the sofa and wandered over to where Owen sat in the armchair. Without a word he held both arms up.

Owen glanced at Matt. “May I? I mean, he’s already done this once, but it’s only polite to ask.”

Matt nodded.

Jamie, however, was apparently unconcerned with formalities and was already climbing into Owen’s lap, settling there as though it were the most obvious place in the world. Owen absent-mindedly stroked Jamie’s hair while the next episode started.

Jamie’s eyelids were already beginning to droop.

Matt glanced away. He wasn’t sure why that suddenly felt too intimate to watch. It was simply Owen being Owen, but somehow that made it harder.

“You don’t have to be the strong one all afternoon.” Owen spoke quietly without taking his eyes off the tablet.

Matt swallowed. “I know.”

Owen peered at him then. “I don’t think you do.” Beats of silence. “I can make tea.”

“I noticed.”

“I can make sandwiches.”

“I noticed those too.” Matt gave a tiny smile.

“And if the phone rings, I’ll answer it.”

Matt stared at him.

For the first time since Dad had called from the hospice, Matt felt some of the weight lift from his shoulders. Granddad was gone. Nothing could change that. But for a little while, Matt didn’t have to carry everything alone.

The phone rang just as Jamie began giggling at something Bluey had done.

Matt pounced on it. “Dad?” He walked into the hallway.

“How’s Jamie?” He sounded exhausted.

“He’s fine. He’s watching Bluey and eating triangular sandwiches.”

There was a pause. “‘Triangular’?”

Matt glanced towards the lounge. Owen was currently engaged in a very serious discussion about whether dinosaurs would have enjoyed cheese.

“Owen was informed rectangles weren’t acceptable.”

A weary chuckle filled his ear. “That sounds about right.” The laughter faded almost immediately, and Matt heard voices in the background.

“Have you heard from Mum?”

“Just texts.” Dad paused. “I’m coming home. I’ve said goodbye. There’s nothing more I can do there.”

Matt closed his eyes. “We’ll be here.”