“Thought they would brighten the room a little.” I lift the plastic chair from the corner and place it next to her.
“Do you want a cup of tea, my love?” She tries to shuffle to the edge of the chair as if she’s forgotten she’s not as mobile as she used to be.
“You stay there. I’ve just had a drink. Would you like one?”
“Ooh, that’d be lovely.” She points behind me. “The nurse can sort me out. Can I please get a cup of tea, dear?”
I turn my head to Lilly in the doorway, fiddling with the hem of her blue tunic. She must have come straight from work like me, though I've left the police vest in the car. “Hey.”
“Hi, what are you doing here?” She crosses the small space towards us, taking off her coat and folding it over another plastic chair.
“I thought I’d come and say hello. I was just passing.”
“My daughter, Fern, sent him. This is my son-in-law. He’s in the army.” Hyacinth beams with pride as she tells Lilly all about me. I don’t correct her. She’s stuck in the past. A time that now seems like it happened to a different person. A hero touring the Middle East. I’m not the hero that everyone thinks I am. Hyacinth wouldn’t be so proud of the man sitting by her side now if she knew the things I’ve done. Not to mention the things I’ve done with Lilly.
“Look at this beautiful bouquet he’s brought for me. Is there a vase in that cupboard, love?” Hyacinth points to the units opposite her.
“They’re gorgeous.” Lilly opens the cupboard and walks into the en suite and returns with the vase half filled with water. She reaches over me and takes the flowers from her mum.
I let my eyes drift to the curvaceous woman busying herself arranging the bouquet. I can’t stop thinking of the woman I watched the other night. Though it’s like they’re two different people. Even with her red lips, makeup and glossy hair, the way her shoulders hang in defeat shows how worn out she is.
It crosses my mind that maybe I’m keeping her up too late on the calls, but when she’s on camera, she’s alive. A mirror opposite of how she is now.
“How is the army treating you, my love?” Hyacinth says as her frail hand pats my knee.
“Good. I’m on leave now, so I thought I’d come and see you while I have the chance.” I give her a smile, trying to hide the sadness I feel. Dementia is a cruel disease.
“You work too hard. My daughter’s lucky to have you. Such a handsome man.” She pats the side of my face like I’m a teenager again, taking her daughter out on a date. “Isn’t he handsome, nurse?”
My cheeks warm as I chuckle to myself.
Lilly turns her head with a grin. “He’s okay, if you like that sort of thing. Personally, I think he has far too many tattoos and a smug face.”
Hyacinth whispers. “Take no notice of her, dear. You have a lovely face. But you’re looking a little weary around the eyes. In your line of work, that’s understandable.” She leans back in her chair and pushes her glasses up her nose. “Where is Fern, anyway? Why hasn’t she come to see me?”
Lilly places the vase on the sideboard. “It’s Harry’s football practice tonight. She’ll come tomorrow.”
Hyacinth’s brow furrows. “Who’s Harry?” She looks between the two of us.
Lilly shakes her head. “Just a friend’s kid. She’s brought him to see you before. Can you remember?”
“No. The only Harry I know is my husband. Where is he? Why hasn’t he been to see me?”
I take her hand. “I’m sure he’ll come visit soon. He’s been busy with work.” There’s no point telling her he passed away. It’s much kinder to let her believe he’s still around.
“My husband’s like you. He works too hard.” She gazes at the flowers on the unit and lifts a finger, pointing at them. “Don’t they look beautiful, nurse? My son-in-law bought them.”
Lilly tidies the bedside table. “I know, Mama.”
“I’m not your mama, dear.” Hyacinth grips the edge of the chair and turns to me. “Why did she call me mama?”
I take her hand. “It’s okay. How about I get you that cup of tea?”
“I’ll get it.” Lilly walks back around the bed, putting on a brave smile, but her glassy eyes convey all the sadness in her heart.
I stand to protest, wanting to give Lilly some time alone with her mother, but Hyacinth tugs at my hand.
“Let the nurse get it, Shane. That’s her job.”
