To no-one's surprise, after Rona, Miranda, and Eric had gone home Hannah said: "I'll do the washing-up in the morning, okay?" and then retired to her room to lie down and finish off the last bottle of wine that she'd opened right at the end of the meal, knowing that everyone was about to leave and that she'd thus be left with most of the bottle to herself. Sacha, being considerably more sober than Hannah and realising that many of the dishes would have to be soaked otherwise Hannah would find them unwashable in the morning, set about putting them in the kitchen sink and filling the sink with water. She heard a noise behind her and turned around to see Shelly. "Good time?" She smiled politely. She'd had enough to drink to give her a pleasant buzz and sense of warmth towards others.

"Good time" Shelly agreed. "Sorry about Hannah" she added.

Sacha shrugged. "It's expected. I know she'll be good for it in the morning."

Shelly frowned.

"Well, in the afternoon" Sacha conceded.

"That really was a great meal, Sacha" Shelly said.

"Thanks."

"Well done."

"Thanks."

Shelly lurched forward and Sacha watched her with a little bemusement. She was taken completely by surprise, though, when Shelly suddenly hugged her. "Thanks, Sacha" Shelly said again, before releasing her.

"Well, yeah, no worries" Sacha said. "I'm glad everyone enjoyed themselves."

"It really made Hannah happy, being able to see everyone. Well, being able to see Rona, anyway."

"Well of course, they're such good friends" Sacha said, uncomfortable as always with such emotional honesty.

"They don't see each other enough" Shelly said. "I wish I knew why. I know it's not the same as it used to be. So really, I mean it, thanks for making it happen. I mean I know it was Hannah's idea, but . . ."

Sacha nodded and turned back towards the sink, which was almost full. She waited a moment and then turned the tap off. "Well, hey, no worries" she said again. "It was my pleasure."