Madelene had no idea what her future held, but one thing was certain, she would be going to Simon’s room again.
The following morning, Simon’s bedroom door was open, but he wasn’t inside. Nor was he in the kitchen. Instead, a short note sat on the table.
Madelene,
I had to go into the office early this morning and didn’t want to wake you. I’m not sure when I’ll be home, but I’ll have two meals delivered for you today, so you won’t be hungry. Bonnie will also be stopping by this afternoon. If you need anything, let one of them know.
Don’t leave the house on your own.
Simon
Trying not to be disappointed, she set to work making herself some tea. He had responsibilities, and she could hardly fault him for that. She couldn’t very well expect him to pause his whole life just because she was suddenly here. She was never supposed to be here. He didn’t even owe her the note, let alone the meals he’d apparently ordered for her. There was so much kindness in him.
Only an hour passed before there was a knock at the front door. The rhythm meant it was Suzy.
“Good morning,” she said as she bustled in. “Simon wasn’t sure when you’d be hungry, so I came early and brought an assortment for you to eat when you feel like it.”
Madelene watched as she unpacked scones, a pot of jam, cheese, part of a loaf of bread, and some cold chicken.
“Surely that’s not all for me.”
“Surely it is. And you’d best eat it. I don’t want Simon to accuse me of not feeding you well enough.”
Madelene nodded. She certainly didn’t want to offend Suzy, or Simon for that matter. This was all just so foreign to her. “Thank you.”
“I have a few minutes before I have to get back. Why don’t you pour us some of that tea you’ve made, and we can chat while you start on that.” She waved toward the food.
“I should make a fresh pot. This one’s gone cold, I’m afraid.”
Suzy waved a hand. “Not to worry. I’m so used to not getting to my tea until it’s cold, I almost prefer it that way now.”
Madelene poured her a cup and they settled at the table. She nibbled on the chicken and cheese. She’d save the sweet jam and scones for later.
“How long will you be staying?” Suzy asked.
Madelene thought about her answer as she finished chewing. “I don’t know.”
“Simon doesn’t often keep company, other than his sister who was here for a while. I’m guessing you’re not another sister.”
Madelene shook her head and laughed. They couldn’t look much more different. “We’re not related.”
“I’m sorry. It’s none of my business, I suppose. Sometimes my curiosity gets the better of me and I forget my manners.”
“You needn’t be sorry. The truth is, I don’t know why exactly I’m here or how long I’ll be staying.” She really didn’t want to tell people Simon found her in an asylum.
Suzy’s brow furrowed. “You’re not here against your will, are you?”
“No,” she said quickly, shaking her head. She may not have chosen to come here, but now that she was, she certainly didn’t wish to leave. “Simon got me out of an unpleasant situation.”
Suzy nodded. “Simon’s a good lad.”
Madelene laughed.
“I know he’s a man grown, but to me he’s young. A bit like a nephew, I suppose. He comes in regularly just to check on me, and in turn, I make sure he’s eating well.”
It warmed Madelene’s heart. “I get the feeling he spends a lot of time looking after others, so I’m glad to hear someone is looking after him too.”
“Well,” Suzy said with a sigh, “I’d best be on my way. I have a lot of hungry men to feed in the middle of the day.”
