Persons Unknown. Susie Steiner

off.

      Ellie blusters her way through the departures, avoiding eye contact. ‘Well, it was nice to meet you.’

      Busying herself with Solly.

      Hiding behind Solly.

      Manon cannot understand it. These are visibly good people in search of a connection.

      ‘What the fuck was that all about?’ she says, after the front door has closed and after a respectful beat of silence so the Rosses can be safely out of earshot.

      Ellie has Sol on her hip, stroking his forehead.

      ‘Language,’ Ellie says. ‘I’m going to put him down.’

      ‘My not tired,’ says Solly, through the oval of a yawn.