Wishes Under The Willow Tree. Phaedra Patrick

pursed his lips. He had no other plans. ‘Nothing, I suppose.’

      ‘Exactamondo. Perhaps you should give Gemma’s idea a go, whatever it is.’

      He knew that his friend was right.

      ‘And, I simply must meet her,’ Cecil added. ‘What does Estelle think about your niece’s arrival?’

      ‘Well, they kind of met but I didn’t introduce them to each other.’

      ‘So, your sixteen-year-old niece is staying with you, but you haven’t told your wife. That’s pretty brave.’

      ‘Hmmm. Now you say it like that…’

      The two men chatted for an hour, about Cecil’s nieces and football, and how Ryan and Diane’s marriage was doing.

      ‘You might have to sweet-talk the nurses into letting me out of here,’ Cecil said. ‘They keep talking about complications and I don’t want to let you down.’

      ‘Take your time,’ Benedict said. ‘Come back when you’re ready. The shop is doing fine.’

      ‘It sounds like Gemma might be a good replacement for me…’

      ‘No one could replace you, Cecil. And I’m not looking to.’

      Cecil nodded with relief.

      With visiting time coming to a close, Benedict was about to leave when he remembered something. He delved into his pocket then took out and placed a small mottled blue-green stone in Cecil’s palm. ‘Gemma asked me to give this to you.’

      Cecil leaned in closer to examine it. ‘Is it Turquoise?’

      ‘Yes, it’s one of the gems Gemma brought with her. She’s copied some notes down, from my father’s journal.’ He gave an embarrassed cough as he handed the piece of paper to Cecil.

       TURQUOISE

       Early Europeans believed that this stone came from Asia Minor so gave it the name ‘Pierre Turquoise’ which means ‘Turkish Stone’. Turquoise is formed by water acting upon copper and aluminium within rocks which causes the gem to develop and gives it its blue colour. The stone was used in protective amulets or rings to ward off accidents. It is said to speed up your recovery after illness and helps to alleviate pain and reduce infection. It should be given as a gift to bring good fortune and peace.

      ‘Coolio. A miracle worker then?’ Cecil said. He slipped the gem and note into his pyjama top pocket. ‘Tell her, cheersy. And what gemstone has she given to you?’

      ‘Me?’ Benedict frowned. ‘Nothing.’

      ‘Perhaps you should ask her for one. If it will help you to get what you want.’

      Benedict thought of the meaning for Peridot and how it sounded ideal for what he was going through. He recalled again Gemma’s explanation for Moonstone.

      He didn’t believe for one minute that a small stone could make Cecil feel better, or help make Estelle fall back in love with him. Surely that would be crazy, wishful thinking.