The Visitor

[rinue]

I am curled on a cracked leather sofa, surrounded by ivy and brown velvet, enveloped in the welcoming scent of patchouli and loose tobacco. By day, with the curtains drawn back and television playing against the pink walls, this room is unforgivable – but now, alone and dim, it has the air of the study I will one day create – dark light and golden shadow on a roll-top stuffed with oddities.

I met Turtle's chap today, and I thoroughly approve. He is charmingly gruff, with a fondness for aikido and ginger beer so strong you sneeze before it reaches your lips. When he holds Turtle, she fits under his chin perfectly. We have already argued over Tolkien and Blueberry pancakes. Turtle is very happy, and her happiness makes her beautiful.