Page 26 of Sun, Sea and Spotted Squid

Sam followed him out into the sunshine. Leaving Wolfgang behind felt harder than he expected. What had Wolfgang meant—we need to talk? Sam would have to wait for answers.

“Have you spoken to his real next-of-kin?” Sam asked.

“Yes. That’s all done.”

Ruben had come in the aquarium pickup. Sam sank into the seat, immediately exhausted.

On the drive, the tears came unexpectedly. Ruben noticed and took his hand.

“You’ve had a tough day, my friend. There is no shame in shock.”

Sam didn’t respond. He preferred to deal with it alone.

“How did his parents take it?” he asked instead, removing his hand.

“His mother went berserk. I have never heard anything like it. He is loved, that is for sure.”

The sunset daubed the clouds a fiery crimson. Sam had seen enough red for one day. Ruben talked about the aquarium. Sam wasn’t listening. He might have left the hospital physically, but his mind was still there.

Before long, they reached the apartment street.

“You want to go for a drink?” Ruben asked hopefully.

“I’m beat,” Sam said. “Rain check?”

“You got it,” Ruben said with a wink.

Inside, the others were all congregated in the kitchen. Four sets of worried eyes fell to him as he came in. Astrid rushed over and hugged him. Sam wasn’t in the mood for a reception.

“How are you?” she asked.

“Shouldn’t we be asking how Wolfgang is?” Paul said.

“Oh, yes, of course,” Astrid said quickly. “Come on in. Maria, get him a beer.”

Maria pulled out a chair. “Sit down. Tell us everything.”

Sam did. They all reacted appropriately, but he wished someone from home was there instead.

He barely touched his beer. “I’m going to bed,” he said.

Of course sleep didn’t come.

In his room, still hot and suffocating, Sam lay awake for over an hour before giving up. He went for a walk.

On his way out, Genevieve looked up. “Where are you going?”

“For a walk. It’s stuffy.”

“We’re going for drinks,” Maria said. “Come with us.”

“I’m fine.”

Astrid followed him. “I’ll come with you.”

Sam stopped, frustration finally breaking through.

“Astrid, I haven’t been so scared in my life. I don’t need company. I need space.”