THE MIDNIGHT GUEST
She hurried along, her heels clicking against the deserted pavement. Above her, the moon peeked out with a cheeky grin, smug as a cat with cream. The city melted into the nights haze, its buildings occasionally catching the cold, indifferent glow of the streetlamps. Here and there, pools of light fought back the darkness, while windows glinted like spectacles perched on the facades of slumbering houses.
Ahead, a tram glittered like a Christmas tree, rattling around the corner before vanishing into the night, dissolving like a ghost. The click of her heels grew louder, echoing off the walls. Blast. Shed missed the last tram. The moon chuckled overhead.
Shed stayed too late at her friends, then stubbornly refused an escort, convinced the tram would save her. Now, her footsteps slowed, then stopped altogether. Exhausted, she slumped onto a bench and wiped away frustrated tears.
Thenscreech!a car braked beside her. A voice, half-singing, half-speaking, drawled, *Fancy a lift?* She shrank into the bench, 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 a jiffyjust say the word. The passenger door swung open, and she hesitantly vanished inside. The leather seat cradled her, smelling of comfort and something faintly pleasant. On the back seat, a child dozed against a massive dog, whose warm breath ruffled the curls at her neck. She froze.
The man smirked. Dont worryAlmas a softie. Wouldnt hurt a fly. He stuck out a hand. John.
She forced out, *Matilda Wren.*
John burst out laughing. *Matilda Wren?* Bit grand for someone your age, isnt it?
She caught her reflection in the mirrormascara smudged, eyes wide. Hardly recognisable. Huffily, she muttered, Well, thats *your* opinion.
Teacher, then? John guessed. She stayed quiet, lost in thought. Were out late too, he offered.
Oddly, her fear faded. It was as if shed known him forever. The whole night felt strangely cosy. John handed her a handkerchief. She dabbed at her face, then flashed him a grateful smile.
Youre all right, he decided, eyeing her. Quite pretty, actually.
That verdict cheered her up. They bantered, laughing like old friends. Alma gave a soft *woof*teacher-like, as if scolding, *Keep it down, youll wake the kid.*
Then the car veered into a dark alley. Her heart lurched.
Just popping into the all-night chemist, John explained. Promised Mum her tablets. Wont take a tick.
It was past midnighttechnically the weekend. No one was waiting for Matilda except a stack of unmarked essays, so they drove on, the car slicing through the empty streets like a ghost. Eventually, John invited her back to his. Strangely, she wasnt surprised.
The flat was on the seventh floor. John carried his sleeping son inside while they stole glances in the lift, then burst out laughing like mischievous kids. He was tall, broad-shouldered, tannedhis blond hair a nice contrast. Matilda, even in heels, barely reached his chin.
The flat was immaculate, everything in its place. John tucked his son into bed, Alma flopping down beside him. They drank tea, listened to classical musictastes perfectly matched.
Odd, how at ease she felt in a strangers home at this hour. That feeling returned: as if theyd always been a family, and little Oliver was hers.
Later, over wine, John grew wistful. His wife had died three years agodifficult childbirth. Shed insisted they save the baby. His mother helped with Oliver now.
Stay till morning, he offered.
Matilda nodded, whether from the wine or some deeper pull, she couldnt say.
Dawn found her in Johns bed, waking to a tiny whisper. *Mummy,* Oliver practised, patting her cheek. Alma sprawled at her feet. Tears welled as Matilda hugged him close, murmuring, *Mine.*
John squeezed in, balancing a breakfast tray. Getting on well, then? he grinned.
Then, out of nowhere: Marry me.
Matilda blinked. You dont even *know* me.
I know enough. Lifes longwell learn the rest. Oliver likes you. Alma approves. Youll be a brilliant mum.
Outside, the first pink rays of sunrise crept in. Matilda lay still, eyes closed, replaying the nights strangenessthe city trying to swallow her, the stranger whod rescued her, the proposal.
Then she peeked. John slept beside her, Oliver snuggled between them. Alma, a furry paperweight on her feet, cracked one eye open, yawned, and went back to sleep.
The alarm wouldnt buzz for ages. Matilda mentally planned her lessonsthen drifted off. The sun chased away the dark, and somewhere up there, the moon winked.
