Page 137 of Villa of Secrets

Naomi wondered when they had sung together.

Bubba turned her glazed eyes to the priest and her face glowed with a memory. ‘You came back for me . . .’ she said, touching his cheek.

Papas Yiannis sang a few lines, encouraging her to continue.

I was a boy so bold and brave

And women’s hearts I went a stealing.

You had no need to be afraid

We sang our songs, you started healing.

Bubba continued with renewed strength, her voice clear and strong.

You’d spent the autumn at my side

My heart was filled with such emotion.

A child no more, yet not a bride,

But then you left with my devotion.

My dream remained, you’d come to me . . .

Papas Yiannis seemed moved. He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose, then joined Bubba, singing the next lines together.

In happiness, we’d live together.

Yet sometimes dreams aren’t meant to be . . .

At the end of that line, on one long harmonising note they stopped. Bubba turned her face into Papas Yiannis’s chest. He closed his eyes again and held her for a few seconds.

Naomi and Rebecca hugged each other, both women let their tears fall.

Clearly, Bubba was tired. She looked up to the priest and said, ‘I can’t go on.’

Papas Yiannis, still holding the old lady, spoke into the microphone, ‘I suspect our star needs to sleep. I’m going to take her home now.’ His voice was shaky and Naomi realised he too was exhausted.

Everyone clapped, whistled, and called, ‘Bravo!’ as the elderly couple walked from the small stage to the door. In the doorway, Bubba turned and studied her family and friends. Her awareness had returned, and pleasure beatified her face. She gave her loved ones a final wave.

Naomi collected Bubba’s shawl and, with Rebecca, accompanied her grandmother and the priest to a waiting taxi. She offered to go with them, but Papas Yiannis said she should stay with the family, the celebration must continue, but would she please help them into the vehicle?

They both kissed Bubba. ‘Hey,’ said Naomi. ‘You know I love you, Pandora Cohen.’

Bubba’s eyes sparkled, and she nodded.

Then they kissed the priest, which was not the appropriate thing to do, but he seemed pleased and, for a moment, Naomi thought she glimpsed a tear in his eye.

‘Are you all right, Papas?’

‘You won’t believe how weary I am, Naomi. So terribly tired.’ He offered her a weak smile. ‘God bless you both.’

Naomi slipped her arm around Rebecca’s shoulders and they watched the taxi drive away.

‘You made all this possible, Rebecca,’ she said. ‘I’ll always be in your debt. I know it wasn’t easy to come back and make peace with Bubba. Thank you.’

*