Page 16 of A Siren Song for Christmas

Malachi removed his hand from Mr Berry’s elbow. He was about to step back when Mr Berry reached out, took the envelope, and pocketed it. Then he clasped Malachi’s hand with both his own.

Mr Berry smiled brightly. “Thank you! Thank you so much!”

Chapter

Nine

“You are very welcome,” Malachi said, somewhat perplexed by such an exuberant response. He felt like something was going on in Mr Berry’s head. He just wasn’t sure what.

Mr Berry wasn’t behaving like a man with prejudices against sirens. Perhaps it was just human or city manners that Malachi still hadn’t grown fully accustomed to. Malachi stared at their joined hands.

When was the last time someone touched me?

The air left his lungs as the question hit Malachi in the chest.

Not since I left the ocean. Not since Forathia.

Had it really been so long? Malachi stepped back, and Mr Berry released his hand. In the store it was never required to physically touch customers. Had he really gone over ten years without touching someone?

He felt a sudden urge to wrap his arms around himself. But he could not do that with a customer present. “Well, goodbye, Mr Berry. I will see you tomorrow.”

Mr Berry hesitated. “Goodbye.” Then he turned to the door and took three steps. And stopped.

He took a deep breath. His shoulders rose and straightened. He turned back and faced Malachi, his mouth set. Mr Berry took a step towards him.

“Mr Marin, do you have an interest in going to the Christmas markets?” Mr Berry asked.

Malachi blinked, confused at the unexpected question.

He had no idea why Mr Berry had a sudden curiosity as to whether Malachi had an interest in going to the Christmas markets. Why would he care about such a thing? And why would he ask so abruptly?

“Honestly, no. Not really,” Malachi said.

Mr Berry’s smile faltered. His hands dropped. “Oh.” His gaze fell. “I see.”

The poor boy looked as though Malachi had verbally insulted him.

What did I say?

Why did it matter to Mr Berry if Malachi had an interest in visiting the Christmas markets or not? After all, it had no impact on Mr Berry whatsoever.

Perhaps Mr Berry really loved them and hated the idea that others didn’t. He did work at the Christmas markets. Perhaps he felt a strange loyalty to them. Or perhaps he had been employed to promote them.

Still, Mr Berry’s dejected response really seemed an overreaction.

Wanting to calm the overwrought young man, Malachi tried to explain. “The idea just has no real appeal to me.”

Christmas markets seemed so full of light and life. And people. So many people. Malachi wasn’t a fan of crowds. He’d never been. And his grief had not made him more so. Individuals like Malachi didn’t belong at Christmas markets. “I just cannot imagine enjoying myself in such a situation.”

Mr Berry’s whole body seemed to curl in on itself. “I see.” He took a step back. And then another. He blinked rapidly.

“I’m a…sorry,” Malachi said even though he did not understand Mr Berry’s perplexing behaviour.

“No. It’s fine. You’re just being honest.” He gave a weak, strained laugh. He lowered his gaze. “I’m sorry for inviting you. Of course you wouldn’t want to go to the Christmas markets with me?”

Then he turned and dashed to the door. He shoved it open and ran out into the darkness, as if he couldn’t get away fast enough.

Malachi stared at the closed door.