COPING

I ought to explain that this story is the sixth in a sequence and should be read after Danny With Martin, and before Poor Danny.

Two weeks later

It was ten o'clock one morning when Martin arrived in the bull-ring after an early meeting. Vivian was there, making some notes in a file. She greeted him.

"Morning."

Martin put down his rucksack. "Morning, Mom."

Vivian smiled at the nickname.

"So - " she put down her pen " – how's Danny getting on at your place?"

Martin made a face. "Up and down. He has his moments."

Vivian nodded sympathetically.

"He knows I'm there if he needs me – but I've tried to give him space, too."

Danny surveyed his plate of dinner. It was jacket potato with chilli con carne, one of his favourites, but – He took a deep breath.

"Martin – do you mind if I eat this in my room?"

"No – not at all. Have all your meals in your room if you like."

Danny looked surprised.

"If you want to stay in your room all evening, pal, that's fine with me," Martin said gently. "Do whatever feels right."

Gratefully, Danny managed a smile.

"He stays in there an hour or so, then he comes out," Martin continued. "I think he listens to music."

Despite her sadness, Vivian smiled at Martin.

"Danny's lucky to have a friend like you."

Danny came towards the bull-ring midway through the morning, carrying a pile of brown cardboard files. Vivian regarded him fondly, this other young man who was like a nephew to her and who held so special a place in her heart. It pained her to see the dark rings beneath his eyes.

"How're you finding it at Martin's?"

Danny nodded. "Good." His voice was still subdues and quiet but slightly firmer. "He's always there when I need him – but he gives me my own space."

Danny knelt down and opened the CD cover. He read the title: Cantique de JeanRacine by Faure. It was a piece he had listened to many times, especially during his boyhood at the orphanage. He loved it: it always reminded him of immersing himself slowly into a warm, relaxing bath…

Silently, he took out the CD and placed it inside the player. He pressed the switch to 'on'.

As the, gentle, comforting music began to filter through the room, Danny hid his face in the bedspread and cried.

Danny hesitated.

"He's so kind, Viv."

Vivian smiled.

"I'm glad you've found out."

As Vivian would reflect later, it was fortuitous that he did, because a few weeks later, something was to happen which would test all their emotions to the limit.