The Night Visitor
She hurried down the deserted pavement, her heels clicking sharply against the cobblestones. Above her, the moon peered down with a smug grin, casting its cold, indifferent glow over the city, which dissolved into the night haze. Streetlamps flickered here and there, briefly reclaiming patches of darkness, while windows glinted like spectacles perched on the faces of the houses.
Up ahead, a tram glittered like a Christmas tree before rattling around the corner and vanishing into the night, melting away like a ghost. The sharp tap of her heels grew louder, echoing off the walls before slowing, then stopping altogether. She hadnt made the last tram. The moon seemed to chuckle at her misfortune.
Shed stayed too late at her friends, and stubbornly refused an escort, certain shed catch the tram. Now, exhausted, she sank onto a bench and wiped away frustrated tears. Suddenly, brakes screeched, and a cheerful voice from inside a car drawled, Fancy a ride? She shrank back, wishing she could disappear. The last thing she wanted was an adventureshe just wanted to get home.
A man leaned out. Dont be scared. Ill get you there in no timejust say where. The passenger door swung open, and hesitantly, she slipped inside. The plush leather seat welcomed her, smelling of comfort and something faintly pleasant. On the backseat, a child slept curled against the side of a massive dog, whose warm breath stirred the loose curls at the nape of her neck. She froze.
The man gave a reassuring smile. Dont worry, Bess is gentle as a lamb. Wont hurt a fly. He thrust out a hand. James. She managed a stiff, Eleanor Whitaker. He burst out laughing. Whitaker? Youre far too young for that name. Catching her reflection in the rearview mirrormascara smudged, eyes wideshe barely recognised herself. Depends who you ask, she muttered defensively.
Teacher, then? he guessed. She stayed silent, lost in thought. Were out late too, he offered, and somehow, the tension eased. An odd familiarity settled over her, as if theyd known each other forever. He handed her a handkerchief, and she dabbed away the smudges, flashing him a grateful smile. James gave her an approving glance. Youre quite lovely, you know. The compliment lightened her mood, and soon they were laughing, sharing jokes. The dog let out a low, warning woofquiet, or youll wake the boy.
Then the car veered into a dark side street. Her heart lurched. Just popping into the chemist, James explained, seeing her tense. Promised my mum some medicine. Wont take long.
It was well past midnight, and with no school the next day, Eleanor wasnt in a hurry. No one waited for her at home except stacks of unmarked essays. So they drove through the sleeping city, the car slicing through the night like a ghost. Then, hesitantly, James invited her back to his. Strangely, she wasnt surprised.
The flat was on the seventh floor. James carried his sleeping son gently, and in the dim lift light, they stole glances at each other before bursting into laughter like schoolchildren. He was tall, broad-shouldered, sun-kissed, his fair hair contrasting with his tan. Eleanor, even in heels, stood half a head shorter.
The flat was immaculate, every item in its placethe mark of a careful man. James tucked his son into bed, the dog settling beside him. They drank tea, listened to classical music, their tastes perfectly aligned. Oddly, in this strangers home in the dead of night, Eleanor felt no unease. That same strange warmth returnedas if theyd always been a family, as if little Oliver were her own.
Over wine in the kitchen, James confessed softly that his wife had died three years agochildbirth, a terrible choice between her life and their sons. His mother helped now, stepping in when work kept him late.
He asked her to stay till morning. She agreed, whether from the wine or something deeper, she couldnt say.
Dawn found her in his bed, woken by a tiny whisper. Mummy, the boy lisped, patting her cheek. The enormous dog lay beside them. Tears in her eyes, Eleanor pulled him close. Mine, she murmured.
James appeared in the doorway, breakfast tray in hand. Getting along, then? he grinned. Then, abruptly: Marry me.
She stared. You dont even know me.
I know enough. Lifes longwell learn the rest. Oliver and Bess already love you. Youll be a wonderful mother.
Outside, the first pink streaks of dawn crept in. Eleanor lay still, eyes closed, remembering the strange dreamwalking through a city that threatened to swallow her, saved by a stranger whod asked her to stay.
She blinked open sleep-heavy eyes. James dozed beside her, their son nestled between them. At the foot of the bed, the dog sprawled like a guardian. She shifted, and Bess cracked one eye before sighing back to sleep. Plenty of time before the alarm.
Eleanor began planning her lesson, then drifted off again. The sun chased away the last of the night, and somewhere high above, the moon winked down at her dreams.
