Tuesday, 30 September 2025

1745

"I did say thank you, yes, I did say thank you", and he sounds like a little boy pleased to know that he has finally mastered a difficult lesson. "I have never before heard you speak those words, Caspar", she says tenderly. "This is the first time", he says, "The first time ever. Well the second time.", and he starts to laugh as though he has never ever  laughed before.  And it is the innocent, boisterous and unrestrained laughter of a happy child. As Lawrence returns with Caspar's cappuccino, he says, "What is this, is everyone suddenly on happy pills?"  For Caspar's joy is contagious and we are all sharing in his mirth. "Famous last words coming from a mental health professional", quips Carl. "Caspar just said "thank you", beams Stella, as though bragging about her own little child. "First time, ever, well second time, because this morning I said thank you to Carl when he gave me a glass of water.", says Caspar, still unable to contain his mirth. "Where are you from, Caspar",  says Lawrence, fixing his eyes on him as he samples his cappuccino. "India.  This drink is delicious.  Thank you so much", and he bursts out again in innocent laughter.  "Oh, those words, thank you, they feel so good, so good to say.  What did you say it's called." "Cappuccino.  Don't they serve it in india?" "I was there such a very long time ago.  And I remember so little.  Thank you, Lawrence, this is so lovely..." "Where else have you lived?"  says Lawrence.  "Mostly Sweden.  For a while in England." "That's why you have an accent.  I hear a bit of Swedish and English when you speak.  Not sure about Indian. "It was so long ago." "How long exactly?" "Long enough for Casper to have gotten into a sizable amount of trouble", interrupts Stella. "How do you two know each other?" He was stepfather to my twin sibling and I.  Mostly my brother, but we also spent summers together in England..."

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