‘If we were in normal times, I would ask you to a dance or to the pictures,’ I read. ‘But times are not normal and I worry that they will never be normal again.’
I paused and glanced at Nelly to make sure she was all right. She was still, but her eye was open. She was listening. I carried on. ‘I think you’re lovely, and I’d like to get to know you. Your idea to pass this book around the wards was so clever and thoughtful – I want to know more about you.’
I paused, pleased to have confirmation that the note was definitely meant for me.‘But I know it’s awkward with you being anurse and me a patient so I thought we could use this book to share our thoughts. What do you reckon?’
I felt hot again on my cheeks. Could it be from Harry? Or was I being ridiculous? ‘It’s sweet, I think,’ I said to Nelly. She tapped her finger once. ‘But I don’t know who it is. It could be anyone. It could be one of the old men from upstairs, or a youngster playing a prank. Should I write back?’
Nelly tapped her finger with a surprising amount of vigour. ‘That’s a yes then?’ I said with a chuckle.
She tapped again. ‘Fine,’ I said. ‘I’ll write back and stick the pages together again.’ I thought for a moment. ‘But with no idea who’s written this note, I’ve got no way of knowing when it would find its way to him. I’ll just have to send it off round the wards again and see what happens.’
Nelly breathed in deeply and I looked at her. ‘Are you loving this?’ I said to her. ‘It’s right up your street, isn’t it?’
She tapped her finger and I grinned. ‘Has Percy been in to see you?’
There was a pause and then she tapped again, twice this time. I kicked myself for asking. ‘He’ll come,’ I assured her. ‘He’s a good bloke.’
Nelly made a noise, deep in her throat. A sort of moan.
‘You don’t want him here?’ I said.
She tapped her finger twice again.
‘All right,’ I said. I understood that she didn’t want Percy to see her looking so badly hurt. ‘You tell me when you’re ready to see him and I’ll let him know.’
She walked her fingers along the sheet and clasped my hand in hers.
‘And I’ll reply to the message,’ I said, wanting to distract her. ‘I promise.’
Nelly squeezed my fingers and then let go.
‘We need to take Nelly for a bath now.’ One of the nurses stood in the doorway.
Nelly moaned again.
‘Now?’ I said. ‘Really?’
‘I’m afraid so. We’ll give you some painkillers, Nelly. I know it’s not nice, but it’s important to keep your burns clean.’
A tear trickled out from Nelly’s eye. ‘Be brave,’ I said to her. ‘Do you want me to stay?’
She took my hand again but the nurse shook her head. ‘We can’t have too many people in the room. The risk of infection is too high.’
‘Sorry, Nell,’ I said.
She made the horrible moaning sound again and I wanted to cry for her.
‘The porter’s on his way,’ the nurse said. ‘Let’s get you ready, shall we?’
I kissed her hand and said goodbye, hearing her moans follow me all the way along the corridor.
Chapter 23
Stephanie
Present day
I couldn’t concentrate on Elsie’s book at Tall Trees, because I didn’t get a minute to myself. I sat in the staffroom but there were people coming and going the whole time and I kept losing my place.
