It still feels a little strange that she calls me ‘Mum’ and I can tell that Lizzie doesn’t like it, but Alison did ask my permission and it seemed petty to object. We’ve got quite friendly over the past couple of months, when she’s phoned George for a chat, and I think she’s just trying to make me feel part of the family.
‘I’ve got a fractured ankle, that’s all,’ I say, feeling fragile. ‘It shouldn’t affect me like this. It’s been three days now. I want to be able to get out and about.’ Tears well up in my eyes. I’m frustrated with how helpless I feel. It’s all I can do to hobble to the loo. I blink the tears away. I’m stronger than this. ‘Me and your dad, we should be in Prague now. And instead I’m sleeping downstairs by myself and can barely get out of bed.’ Yesterday I’d thought I was making progress but now I feel frail again.
‘Don’t stress yourself, Mum. Tummy bugs only usually last twenty-four hours so I’m sure you’ll feel much better tomorrow. Now why don’t you get back in bed and I’ll bring you a bit of breakfast? How does a lightly boiled egg and some toast sound?’
I feel so weak that I reluctantly let her help me back into bed. My stomach is churning too much to eat, but I know that I need to build my strength up. ‘Maybe just some dry toast,’ I suggest. It’s so frustrating. I was hobbling about yesterday and thought that I was on the mend but now I’m exhausted again.
While Alison goes off to make breakfast, I check my phone and see a message from Lizzie, asking how I am and saying she’s tied up with work most of the day but will pop in before she picks the kids up from school. I reply back that I’ve got a tummy bug so it’s probably best if she keeps away, as I don’t want to pass it on to her and the kids. She answers that she hopes I feel better soon and will phone me later and attaches photos of Get Well cards the kids have made me. I smile as I look at them. Grace’s card is literally covered in hearts whereas Isaac has drawn a picture of an old lady in bed – which I presume is me. Then Alison returns with my breakfast.
‘Has someone called?’
‘Lizzie messaged. I’ve told her not to pop in today, I don’t want her to catch this bug,’ I explain.
‘Good idea. I think you need to rest today.’ She puts the tray down on the chest of drawers by my bed that Nick brought down yesterday. She really has gone out of her way to make me comfortable. ‘I’ve made you some peppermint tea, it will help settle your stomach.’
‘Thank you. It’s good of you to look after me like this,’ I tell her. I’m grateful to Alison, she never rolls her eyes and makes me look like a nuisance but I feel one. I’d be more comfortable if Lizzie was looking after me, but I know she has enough on her plate. And she doesn’t seem to be herself since the wedding.
‘I was looking forward to seeing the kids though.’ I show her the photos on my phone. ‘Look at the cards they made me.’
Alison uses her fingers to enlarge the images. ‘They’re great. They’re smashing kids, aren’t they?’ She puts my phone down onthe bedside cabinet and takes the plate of dry toast off the tray. ‘Try and eat, Mum, even if it’s only a couple of bites,’ she urges me.
I take a nibble of the toast and chew it slowly. Suddenly nausea swills in the bottom of my stomach again. ‘Could I have a glass of water, please? I feel queasy.’
Alison jumps up and dashes out, returning a couple of minutes later with a bowl and a glass of water. She hands me the glass and puts the bowl down on the floor beside my bed. ‘In case you feel sick and can’t get to the loo quick enough,’ she explains.
‘Thanks.’ I take a big gulp of the water. ‘I don’t understand why I have such an upset stomach,’ I say when the nausea subsides a little. ‘If I’ve somehow caught a bug then surely one of you would have it too.’
‘I was wondering if it might be your medication. Let’s keep an eye on it and if the nausea persists I’ll check with the doctor.’ Alison takes my temperature and blood pressure. ‘You’re a bit high but nothing to worry about.’
‘I’m exhausted,’ I tell her, feeling my eyes closing.
‘Have a little nap. I’ll tidy around and then go and get some shopping.’ Alison points to a bell on the table. She must have brought it in earlier. ‘Ring this if you need me. I don’t want you exhausting yourself trying to get around on your walker. Have a rest today and build your strength up first.’
‘Thank you.’ I’m so grateful for what she’s doing for me. Kenny and Sheila too, he popped in last night and brought me some flowers and a couple of magazines from Sheila. They’ve all welcomed me into the family with open arms.
George is so kind and considerate, nothing is too much trouble, and I really enjoy his company, we have such a lot in common. I was surprised but thrilled when he proposed, telling me that he was so worried that he’d almost lost me when I had the mini stroke that he wanted us to get married as soon as wecould. Truth be told I was lonely since Lizzie married Nick. We are all still close, of course, but I missed having someone in the house. And the mini stroke frightened me too. Luckily George had been stopping over that weekend. What if it had happened in the middle of the night when I was alone?
20
JUDITH
I start to feel better as the day progresses, and Alison helps me negotiate the back steps again so that I can go outside to get a bit of fresh air. I sit on the wicker sofa that Alison and Nick moved from the conservatory and my mind drifts back to when Lizzie was young and we used to have a picnic on the lawn. Such precious times.
My phone buzzes. Lizzie is FaceTiming. ‘How are you, Mum?’ she asks when I accept the call.
‘I’m a lot better. Alison is really looking after me, so there’s no need to worry about me,’ I tell her. ‘How are you?’ She looks a little tired, I think, although it’s hard to tell on my small phone screen. ‘Thank you for the photos of the kids’ cards. I love them.’
‘They’re cute, aren’t they? They spent ages making them. I’ll bring them with me tomorrow. I’ll drop by after the morning school run and we can have a cuppa and a catchup.’
‘I look forward to that.’
We chat for a bit longer, then Alison comes out with a glass of water and my tablets. She waves to Lizzie. ‘Hi there.’
‘Hi, Alison. Just checking in on Mum.’
‘She’s doing fine.’ Alison turns to me. ‘Sorry to cut you short, Mum, but it’s time for your tablets and I think you should have another rest. I don’t want you to exert yourself.’
‘I am a little tired,’ I admit. So I say goodbye to Lizzie then I take my tablets, and Alison helps me into the back room and onto the bed. My eyes close as soon as my head touches the pillow.
