Chapter 11: NeighbourlyLaurie watched Phil carefully. There was no problem avoiding his perceptive eyes now. Phil was doing as much examining of the table as Laurie has been a moment earlier.
“Well…” Phil drew it out cautiously. “I suppose. I…”
“Don’t tell me,” Laurie said, suddenly. “I don’t want to pry, not if it’s that painful. It’s not important. Let’s talk about something else.”
There was a little silence and then Phil swallowed with an audible click of his throat. “I…Would that be all right?” he said. “I’d rather not, just yet, if you don’t mind? Not today.” He drank some of his tea. “It’s a beautiful day. I was just going for a walk. I walk a lot.”
“I used to, too,” Laurie said, taking the turn of subject in good part. “I miss it. I used to do some of my best thinking while I wa
