felix breathed in the fresh air of the gardens, scent of newly-mown grass filling his lungs. the sound of soft music wafted through the air, carried on the gentle breeze. he made his way towards it, stepping onto the sun-dappled patio that overlooked the sparkling pool. venetia’s houseguest -- a friend from her boarding school days -- reclined languidly on one of the sun loungers, vee’s ipod still quietly playing britpop tunes into the air. he hadn’t much of a chance to get to know them yet, venetia seemed eager to keep her friend to herself -- besides, his first sixteen hours home were spent sleeping off the oxford end-of-term festivities. felix sauntered over to the parallel lounger, plopping himself down on top of his sister’s discarded towel. “mornin’,” he chirped, a warm smile curling at his lips. “mind if i join you?”