Eventually

[Told from the viewpoint of Jane Westmuir. Also Starring Laverne.]


”Welcome back.”
I heard a familiar voice from behind and turned around, to encounter Laverne's gentle smile and his greenish eyes.
”Laverne!”
I exclaimed and hesitated, when my first reaction was to greet him with tight hug. He noticed my hesitation, and initiated the hug himself, not at all disgusted by my appearance. His arms were calm and gentle, like branches of an Ash tree. His silent acceptance made something twist deep inside me in a painful way.
”Hello, Westmuir. Long time no see.”
He said and even though I didn't see his smile, I could feel it in his tone. [REDACTED]

The hug felt nice. Comforting. I didn't want to let go and I think he noticed it too, so we stood there for a while longer, old friends embracing each other. Eventually we had to let go and I stepped back, slight blush on my cheeks.
”It has been a while.”
I nodded and tried to make myself presentable again.
”How's life?”
I asked and got a small chuckle out of Laverne.
”As always. London keeps changing too quickly. All the new buildings make it harder to navigate. And the electricity, too.”
”I'm afraid those two are things we cannot do much about. People keep renovating stuff and I'm afraid even electricity has come to stay.”
I made a little joke and got an amused hum out of my old friend.
”I guess so. Have you noticed how life goes on faster than it used to?”
Laverne's question made me quiet down. I sank into my thoughts and wondered how to answer for the longest time.
”I'm not sure.”
I eventually said, slowly, unsure of how to put my words.
”But I'm sure I'll notice it… eventually.”