The next time you come, it will be at my hand. No more faking it.
Yes, sir.
I jump in my seat as my phone plays a tune like an ice-cream van on steroids. I’d forgot I’d set this ridiculous ringtone for my sister.
“What’s up?”
“Are you able to have Harry this Saturday?”
“Sure. You know I’ll have him anytime.”
“I have a date. A proper one. Not just a coffee in the afternoon.”
“Same guy from last week?”
“No, he's ghosted me. Can you believe he had the audacity to say I looked smaller in my profile picture?”
My nose wrinkles. “What a tool.”
“Right? Anyway, I bumped into this guy at the care home after visiting Mum. He was there for his uncle. We bonded over coffee and cake.”
I huff out a small laugh. “No teeth falling out on the dinner plate, then?”
“Definitely not. He has lovely white sparkling teeth.”
Dr Fletcher grins from across the room with a gleaming set of his own.
“Sounds too polished for my liking.” I’d much rather have a rugged man with a chipped tooth any day of the week. My thoughts drift to my masked man and wonder what sort of teeth he has.
“Yes, we’ve already established you like old men.”
I tap my nails on the table. “Tell Harry to bring his game console or whatever he wants on Saturday.”
“He’ll be on it all night. I’ll send him with some board games instead. He has too much screen time as it is.”
“All right. Give him my love. Hope football goes well tonight.”
“Will do. Thanks, Lils. I owe you one.”
“And the rest.” I end the call and realise I need to get back on the ward. The patients will be ready for their dinner, but not before I open another text message.
Good girl
With a smile, I slide my phone into my bag and place it back in my locker. My stomach bubbles over with anticipation. It’s not the first time I’ve used a toy like that, but it will be the first time anyone’s had full control of its settings.
12
SHANE
Seeing Fern at Lilly’s the other week reminded me I haven’t been to the nursing home in a while. Lilly told me her mother’s dementia had worsened, so I didn't see the point in confusing Hyacinth any more than she already was. If she can’t remember Lilly, she sure as hell won’t remember me.
Walking into the small room set up like a bedroom with all her belongings, a frailer version of my ex mother-in-law sits in a Shackleton chair. “Hello, Hyacinth.”
Her face lifts and brightens. “Shane, this is a pleasant surprise. Has Fern sent you?”
I match her smile and nod, shocked that she recognises me as I hand her a bunch of flowers. “Are you keeping well?” I bend over and kiss her cheek as I always would when I would visit.
“These are beautiful. You really shouldn’t have troubled yourself for me.” She gazes at the flowers, inhaling the fresh bouquet.
