Simon stared out of the car window as it snaked its way along the old winding road. His thoughts where fixed on nothing in particular, the blurring of green the occasional flash of grey, his eyes focused on nothing. The movement of the car made him sick. River had not said a word since the plane had landed. She loved to fly, she had grinned for the entire journey, it had made him happy. She now sat silently beside him playing with her fingers. He turned to her and rested a hand on her shoulder. No response came. She had been doing better over the last few days but she was still far from right. Far from River. The incident at the Academy had come as such a blow. River had always been smart. Very, very smart. The Academy only accepted the best. She had excelled, and not just academically. “River is a creature of extraordinary grace” that’s what her dance instructor had told him. He had been so proud. But all that was before the incident. Before the paranoia. Before she changed.

Simon spoke to the back of the Taxi drivers head “When will we get there?”

“About 10 more minutes.” He responded “Don’t worry I’ll get you there safe”.

Simon didn’t answer. River looked at him and said almost absently “Are we going home?”

Simon took a deep weary breath “Yes, almost home.”

The car came to a halt outside the old house. When it had been built it had been miles from anywhere. An island in a sea of green. Now the town had crept up to meet it. But still there where few neighbours. Just a handful of houses. Here they could find some peace. Here River could rest. Simon helped the taxi driver remove there luggage from the boot.

“Nice old house” the taxi driver said with a smile. Simon had forgotten his name.

“Yes it was our grandmothers, she died two years ago.”

The taxi driver gave a small respectful frown “I’m sorry to hear that.”

Simon shook his head “Its ok, she had a good life.”

The Taxi driver nodded “Well I got to go. You two have a good day”

Simon gestured for him to wait “Can I ask yo