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“Ms Bullivant.”
Mabel sighs dramatically.
“Oh, here she comes.”
The nurse folds her arms. “Visiting hours ended twenty minutes ago.”
“What if I died tomorrow? Huh? Would you kick them out then?”
“You said that yesterday. Visitors out.”
“We’ve only just arrived,” Cal says.
“And you can come back tomorrow during the correct hours.”
Mabel picks up her book again. “You heard the tyrant.”
“I’m standing right here,” the nurse says.
“I know, darling.”
I bite the inside of my cheek.
Mabel reaches out and catches my wrist before I can move away.
I look down at her.
The humor leaves her face.
“He’s a good boy.”
Cal goes still beside me.
Mabel glances at him.
“An idiot sometimes.”
“There it is,” he mutters.
“A spectacular idiot, occasionally.”
“Mabel,” Cal warns.
“But a good one.” Her eyes come back to mine.
I swallow around the sudden tightness in my throat.
“I know.”
Something softens in her expression. “Good.” Then she releases me and opens her book.
“Now both of you leave before Nurse Knowitall physically removes you.”
The nurse sighs.
“My name is Laura, by the way.”
“I know.” Mabel waves her off.
