‘I do. I desperately,desperatelydo,’ he pleaded. ‘Please don’t be put off by the rudeness. I know deep down there’s more to her than meets the eye. We just have to find a way to bring it out of her. And I don’t know anyone better at doing that than you. You always see the best in people, Elles.’
She shuffled uncomfortably, her gaze dropping to the floor. ‘Fine.’
The words were barely audible, but Fin snatched them jubilantly from the air and pulled her into a fierce hug. ‘Thank you!’
He felt Eleanor stiffen. Suddenly the closeness felt too much. He dropped his arms and took a big step back,physically creating the distance that had carved itself into their friendship long ago.
‘Do you have some time or do you need to rush off?’ he asked awkwardly, praying the previous ease between them returned.
‘No, I can stay a bit longer. Why?’
‘Would you like to say hi to my mum?’ He wasn’t sure why but his stomach was alight with nerves.
She smiled at him, a full, open, real smile. ‘I’d love to.’
‘Cool.’ He nodded towards the door at the end of the corridor. ‘She’s just down there.’
The pair made their way towards the room in silence.
‘I don’t know when the last time you saw her was …’ Fin paused before knocking, his hand suspended in mid-air. ‘But she looks pretty bad now. I mean, she’s sick, I guess, so it’s no surprise.’ He was rambling, the words falling out of him uncontrollably. ‘She’s also got dementia, so don’t worry if she’s a bit confused or doesn’t remember you or …’
Eleanor placed her hand gently on his arm. ‘It’s OK, Fin. I understand.’
Of course she understands.
A knowing look passed between them. He took a deep breath and knocked. ‘Mum, it’s me. Fin.’ He opened the door. ‘I have a surprise for you …’
‘Oh, really?’ her timid voice greeted him. ‘It’d better not be any more food. Angela came yesterday and brought me half the bakery. I can’t look at another cupcake.’
‘It’s better than cake, I promise.’ He heard the padding of Eleanor’s footsteps following him inside. ‘I brought someone with me.’
He stepped an inch to the side.
‘Look, Mum, it’s El—’
‘Eleanor!’ His mother’s face creased in delight. ‘Eleanor, my sweet girl! How lovely to see you.’
‘Hi, Eileen.’ Eleanor stepped forward.
‘Come, come, sit. Let me get a closer look at you.’
Eleanor obliged and perched on the seat by his mother’s bedside. ‘Sorry I haven’t come to say hi before.’ Fin watched as she took his mother’s hand in hers and held it softly.
‘Don’t be silly. A young girl like you must have a million other things to be getting on with than hanging around with the dead and decaying.’
Fin felt the atmosphere contract. Eleanor closed her eyes briefly.
‘Especially after what you’ve been through,’ his mother continued, patting Eleanor’s hand.
‘True.’ Eleanor sat a little taller in her seat. ‘But as my mother would say … us Levy girls are stronger than bad memories!’ she trilled, impersonating her own mother perfectly.
Fin laughed but his mother stayed solemn, her milky eyes searching Eleanor’s face. ‘Come now, even Angela Levy gets upset when the occasion demands it. I’ll be thinking of your father this Saturday. As I always do.’
‘Thank you.’ Eleanor’s voice cracked in response. ‘That means a lot.’
Fin could see the tears spilling from her eyes.
Would it be weird if he went to hold her? To follow his instincts and wrap his arms around her as she cried?
