Chapter 1. From Africa, With Love.
"Dad, Mum! You're back!"
Timothy hugs Shelagh, but when his father approaches, Tim moves back a little, so Patrick, sensitive to the nuances in teenage body language, slaps his back and then squeezes his son by the shoulders: "We missed you in Africa. How're you?" He grins at Tim, his oldest baby, boy, it is a wonder this strapping young man was once his baby.
"Good. I've been studying the maps of the places you visited. And also, liver diseases."
Patrick and Shelagh laugh. "Good for you, Tim. Where's our baby girl? And where's Granny? Ange! Granny!" Patrick calls.
"Here we are!" Granny Parker comes down the stairs with the sleepy Angela in her arms. "This young lady has just woken up from her beauty sleep." Shelagh quickly takes Angela and takes in the child's smell and warmth. Patrick takes them both into his bear hug. "Oh, how good to see you, Ange, "Shelagh whispers. Angela seems a bit dazed. Then she says: "Mummy".
The pain of separation is often felt in its fullness only after it is over. During the absence, it was better to take it in your stride.
Tim considers them from a distance, with an ironic look. Shelagh raises her arm and invites him in. "Please, Tim, come here." The boy moves closer and puts his arms around the family with a teenager's nervous half-swagger, half-fragility: "Okay, Turner Family, that's enough hugs. Angela is now using five-word sentences since you've been away, Mum."
"Oh, are you, darling?" Shelagh tickles Angela's chin. She yet feels the pang of missing this developmental phase of her young daughter. "Did you write it down, Tim?"
Tim goes to fetch a notebook. "Yes, I did. Here it is*. 'Want to have Granny's pie'."
