It was as if time had stood still and we had seen each other only yesterday. Not only did Mason remember me, he greeted me with kisses and asked if he could buy me another ring – he’s such a romantic. Of course, I had to furnish him with the fifty-cent piece for the machine and Roland had to drive us to our favourite cafe on the seafront at Lota. Uncle Henry (alias Doctor Henry – when Mason frets about being ill) came too and we all enjoyed the lovely sea breeze while we lunched on one of the outside tables.

Happiness for Mason is a lunch of chips and tomato sauce, a tropical “slush puppy” and an ice-cream  followed by a visit to the play park at Wynnum wading pool. Happiness for three doting adults is simply watching the joy on Mason’s face.

On the way back in the car to Bill’s young Mason had a word in my ear:

“Sawy”, (that’s Sally), “Is Uncle Henry a doctor?”

“What do you think?” I asked, not wishing to admit to any subterfuge from the past.

“Yes,” he said, not wishing to make me feel awkward.

We looked at each other and giggled. I’m still wearing the silver ring he gave me… oh bliss!