Pauline knew Leo better than anyone but she couldn’t call what would happen next. Would he smash the moment into pieces or let it open into time? Perdita went and stood by Shep and took his hand. Leo looked at her. He looked at all the years he hadn’t had. At his refusal. And he saw his chance. Leo held out his hand, stepping towards Shep. “Thank you,” said Leo. “I wish we’d met a long time ago.” Shep took his hand. Pauline tried to stand and flopped back.
