Free Never Ever Leave Me by Elly Grant Page B

of as his sanctuary, felt like a prison.  He had to get out in the air, had to breathe.  He craved company and began to accept invitations, any invitations, anything to be out in the world.  His grief at being alone turned to anger.  Why did his Carol have to die?  She’d never hurt a soul in her life.  Why did he have to suffer this awful loneliness?  In his heart he knew the anger he felt was simply the next stage in the grieving process and common sense told him he’d get through it, but it was difficult, he needed distractions.
    The autumn evenings were mellow and warm and John began to drive down to the coast several times a week.  He liked to walk along the shore and listen to the waves and the gulls cry as they soared overhead in the updrafts.  He met lots of people walking their dogs and , had his life been different, he too would have acquired a dog for company.  As things were, it would have been unfair to keep an animal shut in most of the day while he was working.
    Friends and family started inviting him round for meals and social evenings.  He had become the extra man that one invited when faced with an odd number at the dinner table.  Over the previous weeks he’d found himself paired with the single cousin, sister or friend of just about everyone he knew.
    “Sir, I’d be honoured if you’d come to my home on Saturday evening.  We’re going to celebrate the completion of my research.  As my esteemed tutor, you will be one of the most important guests.  My wife is a very good cook and all our close fri ends are coming.”
    T he invitation came from Khalid Ali, one of John’s students who’d popped into his office near the end of the day.  John was surprised and touched by the request. He’d tutored Khalid and mentored him and now the young man was to be awarded a doctorate.  He felt Khalid easily deserved the accolade.  He’d been a model student and researcher and he’d worked tirelessly.  His wife Sadia was a doctor working at the Royal Hospital while her husband studied.  John respected the couple.  He’d only briefly met Sadia, but he knew Khalid well and enjoyed the young man’s company.
    “How kind of you to invite me,” he replied.  “Is it a formal dinner?  Will I have to give a speech?  I’m not very eloquent,” he joked.
    “So you will come,” Khalid said and he breathed a sigh of relief.  “I’m so pleased, Sir.  My mother is attending and she really wanted to meet you.  My father will be coming over from Pakistan when I am to be presented with my degree, but he can’t leave his business at this time so you will be representing him at my party.  I’m delighted you will be there, Sir.  Without your assistance I would not be celebrating.  You have helped me so much.”
    The enormity of the honour wasn’t lost on John and now he was worried that he would indeed have to give a speech.
    “It will not be a sit down dinner, more of a buffet, but the food will be good, I promise you that, Sir,” Khalid continued.  “My wife is one of those fine ladies who are not only clever, but also great homemakers.  She never stops telling me what a lucky man I am to be married to her,” he added smiling at his own joke.  “The evening will begin at six o’clock and you know, of course, we do not serve alcohol.”
    Khalid gave John the address and he saw that the young man lived in an area called Townhead which was beside the Royal Hospital.
    “Sometimes Sadia has to work nights,” Khalid explained.  “The flat we rent is just a few minutes walk from the hospital.  It’s not an upmarket area.  Where I live in Pakistan is very superior, but Townhead serves us well.”
    “I’ll see you at six on Saturday then,” John replied.  “And don’t worry, I won’t let you down.  I’ll tell your mum you were a model student and I’ll sing your praises in my speech even if I have to toast your good health with apple juice.”
    “Trust me, Sir,” he