Time to Let Go by Christoph Fischer Read Free Book Online Page A

Hanna.
    “Good morning.” Biddy said slowly, betraying her lack of recognition.
    “Good morning Biddy,” her daughter said with an air of put on drama. “I guess you don’t recognise me but that’s alright. Disloyal family members who move away really should be shunned.”
    Biddy chuckled at the theatrical gestures that accompanied Hanna’s speech.
    “I don’t know you but I like you,” she said to her daughter. “You can stay. Come in and sit down.”
    “Good. I am starving.” Hanna said in her dramatic manner. “Come dine with me, darling!”
    “I like your hair.” Biddy compli mented her daughter as they walked into the kitchen. Walter thought it was interesting that she should mention the hair since it was the most obvious change in Hanna’s appearance, yet the mother had not recognised her daughter. He pulled himself away from these useless analytical thoughts about his wife and joined the conversation.
    “Yes,” he agreed with his wife. “I like it too. Who used to have hair like that? Someone famous, was it Elfie Brooks?”
    “Oh Dad!” Hanna laughed. “There is no Elfie Brooks. Elkie Brooks with a ‘k’ was a singer with massive long black hair. Exactly the opposite. I hope you are not being sarcastic.”
    “No no, I mean the actress from the silent movies.” Walter defended himself. He really had no idea who Elkie Brooks was or what she looked like. Was Hanna joking, or was she genuinely taken aback?
    “Oh. I see. You mean Louise Brooks from Pandora’s Box,” Hanna said finally with exaggerated relief. “Now that is much more to my liking. Yes, she had hair like mine, mind you, hers was pitch black. Very twenties that look, right?”
    “Now Pumpkin, do you want tea or coffee or what can we get you for your breakfast?”
    “I have brought some herbal tea bags so just hot water for me please if you wouldn’t mind. I ’ve also brought my own food, some yoghurt and muesli. I was unsure what you would have.”
    “A re you on a diet my dear?” her mother asked.
    “It is not so much a diet , more a cleansing,” Hanna explained. “My body needs a good clean but don’t worry, I am eating as much of the good stuff as I like, so it is hardly a diet.”
    “You look like you have lost weight.” remarked Walter. “It suits you.”
    “You look just like my sister,” Biddy said without ever turning her eyes away from her daughter.
    “Yes, I have heard that before.  It is a lovely compliment.”
    “You know my sister?” Biddy said excitedly and moved closer to her daughter.
    “Of course I know your sister; t he infamous and gorgeous Rosie Hargreaves? Everyone knows her.”
    Biddy’s face was beaming.
    Walter was grateful that Hanna was talking about her aunt in present tense.
    “Now Pumpkin, tell me, what is new with you?” Walter asked, desperate to find out if his daughter was here for a particular reason.
    “Not much really. I am taking some annual leave at the moment to give myself a break from the hectic life of rushing around,” Hanna said evasively.
    “I thought you loved the buzz from travelling? Are you not enjoying your job anymore?” Walter said confused.
    “You must always do what makes you happy,” Biddy added surprisingly to the discussion.
    “Thank you Biddy. That is so true. ” Hanna said and looked with amazement at her mother. Then she turned back to her father. “Dad, I just need a little break. That’s all.”
    “Oh dear! ” Walter said with poorly hidden dismay.
    Hanna let out a small sigh.
    “Why don’t you pack your bicycle stuff and get going?” she suggested. “It is a glorious day and the sooner you get out there the longer you’ll have to yourself.”
    “How long are you going to be here? Do you need to be gone at a particular time?” Walter asked.
    “No,” was her hesitant answer. “If it is okay with you and mother I would like to stay the night. You can cycle as long as you like then, I will be here.”
    “Good. I have made up