"It's Bev," said Sophie, "She's been knocked off her bike by a car."In a daze Michael allowed himself to be led into the kitchen. He sat at the table, staring out of the window at the wall of the house next door.He relived their parting embrace; he always kept his eyes open so there could be no doubt that she was real. He had kissed too many phantoms.Michael reflects on how his relationship with Beverley has grown while he waits and hopes that she will get better.