Close Up

Written in response http://lindaghill.com/2024/01/19/the-friday-reminder-for-socs-jusjojan-2024-daily-prompt-jan-20th/

Close up, and I can’t be certain I am ready. Even Mum, with her constant calls and freshly cooked dinners, causes me to bite back harsh words. Since our scrap about Cornwall, she hasn’t been back. Telling her about my temporary job, as a food critic, did not go down well.

I can look after myself. Although that isn’t strictly true. Fate entrusts the diagnosis of my future blindness. Patches, no bigger than my palm, stalk my every move.

‘We have the option of using another reporter. What you have been through, losing Graham? I wouldn’t hold it against you.’ Richard says.

I stare across the vast space of my empty home. The guilt empties my heart each night. Each morning, my vision of Graham haunts my dreams.

He taps the counter, sharp shoulders touching mine. ‘I agree, but not at your expense. Everyone would understand if you passed this story over.

I turn to face the window. It is minutes before I carry on. ‘I want to do this.’

‘What has the doctor said about your vision?’

‘In a nutshell, months, rather than years.’ I squeeze my nails into my wedding band; twisting it, digging the gold into my skin. ‘Besides, as you say, if he thinks I am not a threat. Can we trust your friend?’

‘Yes, Mike always does the correct thing. St Ives, and we will use this to our advantage. It’s a quiet town, and my mate lost his flatmate to drugs. He wanted to help, but has some concerns about your part in it. I have told him there is no need, and that once he meets you, he will understand you are more than capable.’

I chew on the side of my lip as I drink the cold dregs of my tea.

‘Any other reporters?’

He scrolls through his mobile. ‘Tony, football and stuff, and Barbara …. works on things like potholes and council elections. To them, you are simply a replacement for the woman who has gone on maternity.’

‘When do I go?’

‘Next week, I have already arranged a lodge. It is in a holiday park and owned by my grandmother. It saves you trying to locate something on short notice. I have my reservations, and if it were anyone else, this wouldn’t be happening. Any changes, you must tell me straight away. These thugs are dangerous, and if they discover your part in the investigation.’