‘Not at all.’ She reached out and they hugged a little awkwardly.
‘Maybe we could grab a coffee next week or something?’The words were out of his mouth before he could even register what he was saying.
Why couldn’t you have just said goodbye and left?
‘Erm … sure. That would be good,’ she replied, her response taking him by surprise.
‘Cool. Enjoy the rest of your evening.’ He nodded back towards Ben, who was patiently waiting for her return.
Eleanor’s face flushed with embarrassment. ‘Normally I’d be joining you as the first out of the door, but Sal will kill me if I go before the shots come out.’
‘And that is definitely my cue to leave.’ He did a strange bow, which he instantly regretted.
‘Get back safe. You know the way, right?’ she called over her shoulder as she turned to go.
‘Elles, I’m all grown up now, you don’t need to look after me any more,’ he joked.
Her face clouded over, and for a moment he saw a hint of sadness flash across her eyes.
‘Some habits die hard, I guess.’ She gave a little shrug and then walked off.
*
At the request of Nurse Clara, Fin had arrived at the home earlier than usual the next day. She’d phoned him to say she had an important update on the photography project that she needed to discuss with him. From the tone of her voice, he sensed that it wasn’t going to be something good.
‘Fin, you actually made it in good time today.’ She nodded approvingly, her shrewd eyes checking the clock on the wall.
‘You sounded even more serious than usual so I came as quickly as I could.’
She shifted uncomfortably. ‘Can we go to the nurses’ room? It’s better to talk in there.’
‘Sure. Are you OK?’ he asked, following her through the main door and down the corridor.
‘I’m fine,’ she replied, ushering him inside the little room. Fin took his usual seat by the radiator and allowed his back to rest on the metal, soaking up the warmth through his permanently chilled skin.
‘What’s happened?’ he asked, noticing that Nurse Clara had chosen to remain standing, her body weight shifting restlessly from one foot to the other.
‘It’s Rudi,’ she whispered, tears forming in the corners of her eyes. ‘The doctor has been round today to see her.’ Her voice was growing increasingly higher in pitch as she tried her best to resist the building emotion. ‘He estimates she’s only got a week or so left.’
‘I’m sorry,’ Fin offered pathetically.
‘Do you think you could do something before then? With the photographs, I mean?’ There was so much hope in her bloodshot eyes that to say anything other than yes would be downright criminal.
‘Absolutely. I’m meeting her today; I have most of the equipment sorted, and anything I don’t have I’ll organize sharpish.’ For the sake of Nurse Clara, Fin tried to sound in control and assertive whilst his mind buzzed with lists of things to do.
‘Great. I can take you now if you’d like?’
‘Let’s do it.’ He stood up decisively.
Nurse Clara placed her hand firmly on his arm and looked at him earnestly. ‘Thank you, Fin. You’re doing a very good thing, you know.’
‘It’s no problem,’ he mumbled, embarrassed. ‘Shall we?’ He nodded towards the door.
‘We shall.’ She turned and swiftly exited the room, a composed veneer slowly re-forming over the cracks she’d exposed in her armour only moments ago.
As they walked back up the corridor, Fin began to mentally prepare himself for the sight he was going to be greeted with. If he thought his mum was frail then how would a woman just days away from death look? He couldn’t imagine.
‘Here we are,’ Nurse Clara announced, stopping suddenly. ‘Now be prepared, she’s quite a character.’ A wry grin flickered across her face.
