Chapter 2

Martin took the packets of cooked meat and turned away,but not before Colin saw thestray tear run down his cheek.Colin’s desire to hold Martin became almost irresistible.

“Oh,”he remembered,“there’s the frozen turkey leg you ordered,it’s still inthe van’s freezer,”he said,leaving Martin’s house to retrieve it.

Once outside,Colin used the few seconds in the cold to get a hold of himself.Retrieving the frozen food,he returned to Martin’s kitchen.

“Here we are.”

“Thanks,”Martin said,putting the poultry in the bottom drawer of his freezer.

“And finally,”Colin said,trying to lighten the mood,“Your Christmas pudding.”It looked so pathetic in the palm of his hand.Yet more evidence that Martin would be eating alone this Christmas.He tried,probably unsuccessfully,to keep the happy tone in his voice.

“Oh yeah,not that much of a fan of Christmas pud,but you’ve got to make the effort,I suppose,”Martin said,obviously trying to remain upbeat himself.