She thinks back to hearing Alfie’s gruff voice on the phone for the first time, how confused and disorientated she’d felt to hear Joe’s name from the mouth of a stranger.
‘It turns out that my local bookshop helped my husband to organize a special gift for me before he died. A year of books. One book a month, each book with a personal significance and a special meaning. These are those books.’ She holds up the stack of colourful spines. ‘Or at least, most of them. The year isn’t over yet. But so far, the books have taught me new things, sent me off on adventures I never anticipated and held my hand through the toughest time in my life. I am certain that it must have brought Joe comfort to know that, after he was gone, I wouldn’t be on my own, that I’d have these books for company.’
Her voice falters and for a moment she isn’t sure she can keep going. But she catches hold of herself, smiles softly and says, ‘But it hasn’t just been the books that have been there for me. My local bookshop has become a … a safe harbour.’
Because despite the recent tension between her and Alfie, when he told her that the shop was at risk of closure it felt like the ground shifted beneath her feet. She couldn’t imagine not coming into the shop every month. Not seeing Prudence, Blue and Georgette, not seeing the seasons change through the altered window displays, not finding herself, again and again, among the shelves of books. Not seeing Alfie. She realized she’d been taking for granted the fact that Book Lane would always be there when she needed it.
‘Sadly, my local bookshop is under threat of closure. It would mean a lot if you could check out their crowdfunder. If you are local, pop in to browse, or if you’re further afield consider ordering online. Bookshops aren’t just bookshops. They’re places for book lovers to come together, like-minded souls meeting among the stacks. They’re hubs of thecommunity, and the arena for heated conversations about the latest must-read series. They’re safe places to step in out of the rain, no matter who you are. And they need our support, now more than ever.’
She stops the recording, her hands shaking as she posts it to social media, tagging the Book Lane account.
A few moments later she receives a message from Alfie.
THANK YOU.
49
Tilly tightens the laces on her brand-new baby-pink roller skates. On the park bench beside her, Harper does the same with her matching pair in baby blue. Rachel bounces on the spot beside them, wrapping her coat tightly around herself.
‘You two are bloody mad.’
‘I still think you should have bought a pair too. Absolutely no solidarity …’ Tilly jibes as she adjusts the straps on her knee pads and wrist braces.
‘I jumped into the icy Atlantic for you, but this is a step too far,’ shoots back Rachel, shaking her head, her breath coming out as misty clouds in the cold morning air. ‘You two are on your own.’
‘Will you film us?’ Tilly asks, handing her phone over.
‘Sure. Shall I stop if you break an arm?’
‘Ha ha … Can you film a little intro first?’
With one hand Tilly pushes herself up from the bench. It takes a moment to find her balance. But when she’s steady she nods at Rachel who begins to film.
‘So, a book made me do this,’ Tilly says into her phone camera. She reaches for her copy ofBig Magicby Elizabeth Gilbert on the bench, holding its colourful cover up to the camera. ‘I’m reading this book all about creativity, or as the author calls it “big magic”. I thought it would be all about making ceramic pots and writing books and things. And there’s definitely some of that in there. But the book is really aboutlivingcreatively, which is about morethan just writing and painting. It means doing things you enjoy just for the sake of them. It means not letting fear hold you back from trying things that you’ve always thought might be fun. Well, I’ve always wanted to learn how to roller-skate. And I’m done with feeling afraid.’
As she looks at the camera she thinks back to Joe’s letter, tucked safely within the pages of the book.
Dear Tilly,
We’re coming towards the end of our year of books. I hope you’ve got as much enjoyment out of reading these books as I’ve had in thinking about you reading them.
For the penultimate book, I thought I’d go for something that might offer you some inspiration.
Ever since I’ve known you, you’ve been a creative person. All your craft projects, even just how you put outfits together in ways that surprise me but always look amazing. But ever since my diagnosis I can’t help but notice that spark has seemed subdued. You’ve stopped reading. You’re not crafting as much as you used to. I get the sense you’re just going through the motions at work.
I want you to get your spark back. I hope this book might help.
I know it might feel hard, but as we come towards the end of the year it’s time to start thinking about what you want the rest of your life to look like. I hope it is full of magic, big and small.
I love you.
Joe x
As soon as Tilly read the letter she knew that Joe was right. Shehadlost her creative spark, and maybe even before Joe got sick. There was a time when she used to keep a notebook beside her whenever she read, jotting down ideas triggered by each book, or notes about interesting techniques the author had used. But then she got stuck in her job, and stopped.
Harper lets out a cheer and stands up too. ‘Let’s do this!’
They set off slowly at first, Tilly wobbling like a baby deer as she finds her feet. Harper speeds up a little and then Tilly does too.
