Page 6 of Glow

They all gave a little round of applause.

“Thank you, Prin,” Colin said. “You’ve taught some old dogs new tricks.”

“Hey, you,” Cathy remarked, “watch who you’re calling a dog.”

This made them all howl. Prin had really enjoyed this cohort. Their sense of fun had come out from day one.

“All that remains for me to say is thank you,” Prin said. “Don’t forget I’ve sent you an email with my details on. If you want to talk about anything, please feel free.”

The college had told him not to do that. Yet Prin hated setting his charges adrift without any support.

Prin had still not got used to being the teacher. Especially for students significantly older than him.

They all got up and made their way out, most stopping to shake his hand. Cathy insisted on planting a kiss on his cheek.

“You’ve changed my life,” she said, grasping his hands.

“It’s been a pleasure.”

Prin had to fight the tears. In the short space of time he’d got to know these people, they had shared a lot.

“Me and my late husband travelled to Bangkok many years ago,” she continued. “A wonderfully vibrant city.”

That was one way of describing Prin’s home. Bangkok could be everything to everyone. Sadly, he couldn’t think of it like that anymore. Not since he’d been practically cast out.

“Yes, I was very lucky to grow up there,” he replied diplomatically.

With one last squeeze of his hand, she followed her fellow students out of the room.

Prin noticed that Colin had been hanging behind.

“Colin? Is everything all right?”

Colin approached Prin. “Yes. I could do with some advice, actually.”

“Oh yes? What’s up?”

Colin sighed. He seemed a little tired today. For the run of the course, Colin had been the life and soul of the party. It had to take its toll.

“I wondered if you might give some tips on buying a new computer,” Colin said. “Mine is kaput. It’s so slow.”

Prin frowned. Colin had made a big deal of telling everyone that he’d bought a brand-new laptop to start the course.

“Are you sure?” Prin asked. “It should still be working perfectly.”

Colin shrugged. It made the dragons on his blazer look like they were dancing amongst the clouds.

“Maybe I need to do the next class up. Do you do an intermediate?”

Prin shook his head. “I’m afraid not. Now you mention it, that’s not a bad idea. Tell you what, how about I come home with you and give it the once-over? That’s if you’re comfortable.”

Colin’s face lit up. “Would you?”

“Of course,” Prin replied. “No time like the present.”

Colin’s apartment lay in a modern square box that overlooked pristine gardens. The building was white and sandstone. Some of Colin’s neighbours were sitting on deckchairs, enjoying the sunshine.

“Welcome to the geriatric ghetto,” Colin muttered.