A Brief History of Tina

"Uncle Timothy, I am sorry, I never would have - you know - if I had really thought -"

"That's OK, Timothy, you weren't expecting to be interrupted, were you?" he continued.

That night, after six weeks of unsettled nights, I slept well.

2 - Tuesday

The next morning over our usual light breakfast, Uncle Jack didn't refer to the previous evening's activities until the end, as we were clearing away the dishes.

"Timothy, I have to go now. Back at the usual time, I hope, just so you know."

He smiled, an acknowledgement that many things still stayed the same despite my revelations. I thought of dressing again later that day, but didn't. As a 'thank you' I spent the day gardening, mowing the lawn, something Uncle Jack didn't like doing. He had put it off the previous weekend, so I did it for him. And did a good job too, though I say it myself. Uncle Jack did come home at the usual time, I had a decent meal prepared for the two of us. We watched a little TV - television!! - and then Jack wanted to show me something upstairs. In his bedroom he opened the wardrobe where I had found Jane's skirt the previous day.

"That top you were wearing last night, Timothy, I think it was Emma's. I know you couldn't really have asked me but - I think it would be best not to wear her things. But all this was your Aunt Jane's, and I KNOW I should have sorted it before. It has been four years now."

I had a proper look at the contents of the rack in there, I could see more than I recalled.

"But now I can put it to good use. How about you sort through it all tomorrow? Take any things you want for yourself and bag the rest, we'll take it to the charity shop in town. OK?"

I was rather amazed. Uncle Jack was actually giving me clothes to dress in, as well as permission to do so. Mt reply was a bit flustered.

"Uncle Jack, I couldn't, these were Aunt Jean's clothes, I -"

"Nonsense Timothy, you'll be doing me a favour, I've just put off sorting these clothes too long. Please?"