The Faerie Tree by Jane Cable

wearing. Then I braved a public toilet near the deserted beach and although the water was cold I washed as thoroughly as I could and changed into clean clothes. There was no way I could shave or do anything about my greasy hair but I trimmed my beard with the scissors on my Swiss army knife and spent ages trying to get a wet comb through my rats’ tails. The effect was negligible so I bought a cheap bandana, hoping the impression would be more surfer than beggar. By that time it was half past four and I went to the cashpoint to withdraw £60 then made my way back to the surf shop.
    I was relieved when the woman smiled. “That’s something of a transformation,” she said.
    I indicated the glass on the wall. “I hadn’t looked in a mirror for a while. I was a bit shocked when I did.” I reached into my pocket and pulled out the notes. “And I’ve got two weeks’ rent up front – just in case we can come to an arrangement.”
    â€œWell I’ll cash up then we can go. My name’s Megan Tregea, by the way.”
    I held out my hand. “Robin Vail.” She didn’t shrink away.
    I wandered around the shop as I waited, my footsteps echoing on the wooden floor. Megan had some seriously good kit; boards of all sizes, an impressive array of wetsuits and accessories as well as a few rails of surf fashion clothing. The place had a slightly run down air but the chipped paintwork oozed cool. I knew she’d make a mint in the summer.
    Megan’s house was in the jumble of roads between the harbour and the golf course. It was half way along a terrace and had three storeys; a basement and ground floor where Megan lived and the letting rooms upstairs. As she had told me, there were two good sized bedrooms with a windowless bathroom and kitchen sandwiched between them. I asked about the other tenant.
    â€œThere isn’t anyone yet. I only put the notice up yesterday. If you like it then you can have the pick of the rooms.”
    â€œYou’re sure I’ll do? You feel comfortable?”
    â€œThe very fact you’re asking means it’s OK.” She smiled properly this time and I realised that although she was much older than me she was really quite pretty.
    I paid over my rent, chose the room at the back and set about unpacking my few belongings. Megan had told me there was an open-all-hours a few streets away so I was able to buy some basic supplies; bread, milk, cereal and some battered fish portions that would do for supper. It was a long time since I’d had a kitchen and I vowed to cook properly tomorrow, but for the moment I wolfed them down then had a long lazy bath and washed my hair.
    In the bedroom I didn’t bother to turn on the light. I sank onto the duvet and ran the flat of my hand over the coolness of the pillows. Music drifted up from Megan’s part of the house. I hesitated, savouring the moment. I knew that as soon as I put my head down I would be asleep.

Chapter Fourteen
    The thin wind was finding its way through both my jumpers so reluctantly I turned inland towards the town. The beach was dotted with dog-walkers making the most of the sunshine and I had enjoyed leaning on the rail and watching them roam the ever lengthening expanse of sand as the tide dropped.
    The road was lined with Victorian villas, most of them boasting B&B signs in their small front gardens. Half way along, on the sunny side of the street, a man was cleaning windows. I thought to myself; I could do that. I’d just need a ladder, and a bucket, and maybe a bicycle. And, of course, the courage to knock on people’s doors.
    I paused to look in the window of the baker’s shop. I was hungry, but there was perfectly good bread and cheese in the fridge at home… I wavered… The woman behind the counter looked at me and I wanted to shrink away, but to my amazement she smiled. The only difference today was that I was clean. She probably