Xanthe and the Ruby Crown

Irun from the car and find the green space wedged between the tower blocks. I plonk myself down on the still-damp grass and search for Nani’s flame tree right at the very top of the building in her beautiful roof garden. Even though it’s only a tiny dot from here, I can see the tips of its incredible red leaves shimmering in the morning sunlight. I lower my gaze slightly. The tower block soars into the milky blue sky and, when I squint against the sun, Nani’s square windows and balcony appear on the top floor. Out of habit I count the floors and finish at fifteen. Somewhere inside, Nani will be fussing about, putting on the kettle, laying out the plates and finding my favourite biscuits – chocolate wafers.