‘Can I come in?’ Her caution was endearing.
‘Sure.’
Nurse Angles had seen Alice at her worst so there was really no point in hiding from her.
‘Hey there, honey.’ The moment her face appeared from behind the curtain, Alice felt herself inflate with warmth. A deep feeling of love radiated through her for a second, so unexpected it rendered her breathless.
‘Hi.’ A tiny whisper was all she could manage.
‘We’ve been missing you downstairs.’ All caution disappeared as Nurse Angles manoeuvred herself into the chair next to Alice. ‘You gave us a fright, going and nearly dying like that!’
Alice smiled. ‘Yeah, sorry about that.’
‘Well, you’re here and alive and that’s all that matters.’ She reached over and grasped her hand tightly. She’d missed being held more than she could ever have imagined.
‘And …’ The question was dancing on the tip of her tongue. ‘And how … how is Alfie?’
Nurse Angles smiled even wider. ‘Well, hewasa pain in my backside, asking me to come and check on you every five minutes. I practically got banned from this floor I was up here so much!’ She let out one of her deep belly laughs and Alice couldn’t help but join in. ‘He also made me promise to give you this …’ From her bag Nurse Angles produced a letter and neatly wrapped package. ‘I wanted to make sure you were awake and well before I delivered it. Couldn’t have it getting misplaced now, could I?’
Alice took the gift and stared at it. It was small, rectangular, and she was surprised how carefully it had been wrapped in its brown paper covering. Had he really left this? For her?
‘Now, I need to get myself back downstairs. You know what they’re like down there – God knows what trouble’s been caused since I left.’
Alice was still fixated on the parcel and letter in her hands.
‘Make sure you come and say goodbye before you leave, OK?’ One final squeeze and Nurse Angles heaved herself up to go.
‘Thank you.’ Alice squeezed back. ‘Thank you so much for coming.’
‘Any time.’ She turned just before leaving. ‘I mean that, OK? You need anything, just get them to buzz me.’
Alice was still in such shock she only managed to nod in acknowledgement.
‘Right, Mary, I’m off. Keep me posted on everything, will you?’ The booming voice of Nurse Angles could be heard even as she was making her way out of the ward.
Alice turned the letter over in her hands and saw his tiny scrawl on the front.
Big Al
Aka
The lady behind the curtain
Adrenaline was rushing through her blood and the anticipation became too much to bear. She opened the envelope as carefully as she could and pulled out a single sheet of paper. Her eyes were moving so fast to read everything at once that she found nothing was making sense.
She closed her eyes and took a long inhalation.
Slow down.
Take your time.
Breathe.
She opened her eyes and began again.
Dear Alice,
I hope the cute nickname on the front didn’t put you off opening this. It was a big risk but one I was willing to take (especially as I won’t be there in person to feel your wrath when you read it!).
