Saturday 20 March
The sun rose at 6.11 a.m. Having already warmed the start of the day in Europe, the earth had rotated that little bit more and it was the turn of the lands and waters of the United Kingdom. It crept across the North Sea, then over Lincolnshire with its flat plains, then through Robin Hood country and was now brightening the horizon in Derbyshire. It appeared over the hills of Ripton and lit up the edge of Heron Water.
Today was the spring solstice, when the land would enjoy exactly the same amount of day as night. After the long, frozen winter, the sun had a warmth to it and it brought energy, awakening the perpetual circle of life.
Nancy stood in her garden, eyes closed, face tilted towards the sun. It felt so good to feel its warmth on her skin. Spring was her favourite season; she loved how it held an abundance of promise. All those months of good weather and growth ahead, each day becoming steadily longer towards midsummer, filled with light and heat.
Lara had been up since seven. She was full of nervousenergy and Nancy had sent her to retrieve the eggs from the chickens. She could hear her making her way back up the garden.
‘Three eggs, Mum,’ said Lara.
Nancy looked up. ‘Great!’
Lara came up and showed her spoils. ‘Mum, what if I get lost?’
‘You mean tonight?’
‘Yes.’
‘You won’t. The horse is part of the procession, you just follow the band in front of you.’
‘But what if Lupin decides to go another way?’
‘He won’t. He’s on a lead rein, remember.’ Nancy squeezed Lara’s shoulder. ‘It’s going to be fine.’
Lara sighed. ‘Yeah.’
‘What?’
‘I wish Dad was here.’
Nancy felt her heart pinch. ‘I wish he was here too.’
Lara was quiet for a moment. ‘And Auntie Beth,’ she said tentatively.
‘I know.’ Nancy had to work hard to keep her voice from cracking. ‘It’s a shame she’s still in hospital.’
‘But it’s been ages,’ said Lara. ‘Mum?’
‘Yes?’
‘Is she OK? I mean, she’s not going to die or anything, is she?’
Heart in mouth, Nancy looked at Lara, her daughter’s face fearful and desperate for reassurance.
She didn’t know. The doctors were saying the same things;a person could come out of a coma at any point. Nancy had visited on a number of occasions and every time her friend had lain in the bed, still and unresponsive. It was difficult to witness. Beth was always so animated, so resilient.
‘She’s just very ill,’ she said carefully. ‘After the car accident. Some people take months to get better.’
‘But she will?’
‘I really hope so,’ said Nancy fervently.
She looked at Lara and saw a flash of fear in her eyes as she processed this. She also saw her daughter was grateful for the honesty. There was a silent understanding between them about the severity of Beth’s illness. Lara suddenly threw her arms around Nancy and Nancy had to bite back the tears.
‘Can you French-plait my hair?’ asked Lara, her voice muffled against her mother’s jumper.
‘We’re not going till later on this afternoon.’
