Surprise Visit

Towards the end of my stay in Silsden I was sitting at my laptop with half an ear listening to TV news. Suddenly there was a knock on the door. I wondered who it could be for it was evening and getting dark. I opened the door to see a stranger smiling at me and saying. "You don't know me, do you?". 

I stared a him and he repeated the question. I answered in the negative just as a familiar face emerged into the light. It was cousin Barbara and she had a very big smile on her face. I invited them in and then I noticed the man was speaking with a strong Liverpool accent. He said he was Michael from the Wirral. 

He is my cousin Jean's eldest son. What happy times I had with her and family in my teenage years. Micheal is my half-cousin but it sounds strange to say it or write it. He has always been called cousin Michael. I got us all a drink and we settled into catching up with lots of news. 

I hadn't seen him for more years than I can remember. I noticed, however, that his humour, way of laughing and speaking had not changed over the years. What a great surprise. Barbara had called him to say I was back in Silsden so Micheal jumped into his car, picked up Barbara and then knocked on the door. 

We exchanged contact details, had another drink then said our goodbyes. He invited me to stay with him and his wife whenever I wanted. I think I shall take up the offer next spring. I can fly straight to Liverpool from Berlin. I don't have to use KLM or Schipol Airport .... Huuuuurrraahhhh!!