Maureen and Rex

The domestic subplot of Maureen's lie to Rex, their friendship, the pilgrimage map, and the slow reawakening of her home life.

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The Lie To Rex

The Lie To Rex A Neighbour's Concern Rex notices Harold has not returned from his walk. Maureen tells him Harold is in bed with a twisted ankle from a loose paving stone. The lie grows each time Rex appears with Milk Tray and articles about lawn feed. The Prison Of The House Maureen becomes a prisoner in her own home, dreading Rex's silhouette at the frosted glass. She cannot bring herself to say that Harold has walked out. The Weight Of Secrecy The lie is not only to Rex; it is to herself. Pretending Harold is upstairs lets her avoid the terrifying possibility that he may never come back.

Tea And Confession

Tea And Confession The Herald Of The Truth At David's suggestion, Maureen confesses to Rex that Harold is not at home. Rex says he knew something was up, and places a hand on her shoulder. It is the first touch she has received in a long time. A Clean And Orderly House Inside Rex's house Maureen finds polished surfaces, cacti spaced like a ruler, and no dust. The neatness makes her feel her own life is in ruins. Speaking The Unspoken She tells Rex about Queenie's letter, Harold's walk, and her visit to the locum. By speaking, she begins to release the shame she has carried alone.

Slapton Sands Drive

Slapton Sands Drive A Sherry And A Bar Meal Rex drives Maureen to the Start Bay Inn at Slapton Sands. She drinks sherry and wine, something she has not done in years, and feels a lightness like young love. Remembering The Dance Walking along the spit, Maureen remembers the night she met Harold at a dance in Woolwich. She had watched him jiving alone, then he had threaded through the crowd and touched her neck. They had laughed like children. A Crack In The Grief The outing does not erase her loneliness, but it reminds her that she was once a woman capable of joy. Rex's friendship gives that woman room to breathe.

The Map On The Kitchen Wall

The Map On The Kitchen Wall A Homemade Gift Rex presents Maureen with a giant map of England mounted on a pinboard. Blue thread and drawing pins trace Harold's route from Kingsbridge to Bath, with Berwick marked by a tiny flag at the top. Sticking Postcards To Norfolk Rex even brings a box of drawing pins so Maureen can attach Harold's postcards to places he is not visiting, like Norfolk and South Wales. It is a gentle joke that lets her smile. Seeing The Journey For the first time, the walk becomes visible in the kitchen. Maureen can trace Harold's progress, and the map is a promise that the house has not stopped waiting.

Watching The Pilgrims Arrive

Watching The Pilgrims Arrive The Wrong Pilgrims Maureen and Rex watch news footage of Rich Lion and the splinter pilgrims arriving in Berwick without Harold. Maureen is furious: those people did not even know Queenie, and the journey was never a race. Rex's Steady Presence Rex sips his Ovaltine and points out that at least the attention will leave Harold alone now. He has become her anchor, the neighbour who asks for nothing but gives maps and company. The Waiting Continues After the television is switched off, Maureen stares at the sky. She cannot speak because the thought of Harold alone, still walking, is too big for words.

First week after Harold leaves

Second week of Harold's walk

Early in the walk, before Darlington

Mid-May

Early July, after the televised arrival in Berwick