Page 35 of The Stranger in Room Six

Mabel

Belinda sinks back into her chair with exhaustion. Talking about her old life has brought it all back. How had she survived?

‘I need a break now,’ she says.

‘But you can’t!’ Mabel is on the edge of her chair. ‘I need to know what happened next. Your life is scarier than anything on TV. I still can’t get over how you scalded another prisoner. In fact, I’m going to think twice about asking you to make me a cup of tea now.’

‘It was in self-defence,’ Belinda points out.

‘I know, dear. I was only joking. We need something to lighten the atmosphere.’

Belinda’s voice comes out in a choke. ‘No one knows what it’s like in prison unless they’ve been in one.’

Tears roll down her face. The old lady reaches out, grasping both of Belinda’s hands.

‘It will be all right,’ Mabel soothes. ‘You’re safe here. You’ll never have to see any of those people again. Why don’t we have a break? We could play chess. Do you like that?’

‘Anything but crosswords,’ sniffed Belinda. It felt comforting to be looked after for a change.

‘Why not crosswords?’

‘Because Gerald was addicted to the bloody things.’

‘Personally, I loathe crosswords, so chess it is. We’ll have a few walks too and maybe watch that marvellous Who Do You Think You Are? programme. Then I’ll continue with my story so you can have a little break. What do you think?’

‘Yes,’ sniffed Belinda. ‘Thank you, that sounds like a good idea.’

‘It’s all right, love,’ Mabel says, giving her a warm hug. ‘It’s what friends are for.’