Charlotte's Search
Balloons in groups of three and four bulge from the ceiling corners; bird-blue, primrose-yellow and plastic-pony-pink highlights against wallpaper stained with age and damp, spotted with mildew.
A banner drapes over the fireplace. Jenny - Two Today!
Bech sucks in his cheeks, stares vacantly, his fingers moving, perhaps as though he is counting something. Then he scans the room again.
A small bureau sits against one wall, a drop-leaf top and a couple of drawers underneath. He opens it, riffling through papers; utility bills, local tax, a red payment demand, rent book.
He tries the top drawer...
Cheap jewellery, combs and budget cosmetics, knick-knacks...
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