Page 76 of The Second Chance Supper Club

‘Oh yes, I enjoy a game of Rummy.’

‘Well, I’ll take my leave then. It’s been lovely visiting today, Maria.’

‘It’s been wonderful to see you too, child. Take care.’

‘And you. Oh, and thank you so much for listening.’

‘You’re most welcome.’ Maria gave a sage nod. ‘And do come and see me again … and yes, let’s have that lunch trip. The Great Escape it is! There’s only so much Rummy, tea and cottage pie I can take.’ She gave a beautiful cheeky grin, which lit up her lined and lovely face.

Chapter 43

A few days later, and Cath had been in to Kirkton to pick up some groceries. Realising she had an hour or so to spare before her next tuition, she thought she may as well pop in to the care home and catch up with Maria. It felt good to give something back in life, to give some of her time. And she had quickly grown fond of the interesting and at times feisty old lady. Maria’s body may have been failing with age, but her mind was still as sharp as a pin. Age was no barrier to friendship.

Cath strolled into the airy reception area of the home after being buzzed in. ‘Hi, Linda.’ She recognised the blonde bob of the friendly middle-aged lady who was sat behind the counter. ‘I’m just here to visit Maria. Is she in the day room?’ She’d already started to head for the corridor.

Linda stood up. ‘Oh, it’s Cath, isn’t it … Can you just wait here a minute, please? Take a seat if you’d like.’ Her smile looked rather tight.

‘Oh, all right.’ This was unusual, but Cath wondered if Maria was perhaps using the bathroom, or felt tired and was still in her room.

She settled down on the maroon seat-pad of a functional armchair, taking in the smells, sights and sounds of the care home around her. Bright flowers in a vase; a large bunch of carnations in reds, yellows and white. Books, and a couple of magazines – a copy of Living North and a Woman’s Own – laid out on the coffee table before her. Voices drifting from the day room area … kindly questions and frailer-voiced answers. The aromas left from lunch, slightly meaty with mashed potato overtones, and beyond that the bleach-infused scent of cleaning materials.

A buzzer was going off repeatedly further down the corridor, along with anxious, slightly raised voices. The bustling of swishy-soled shoes. Cath felt suddenly more alert and looked up, in the direction of the noise, listening more intently now. There was a sense of quietly managed commotion. The hairs on the back of her neck began to prickle, an instinct rising that this had something to do with Maria …

Julie, the home manager, then dashed by and into her office, giving Cath a polite nod as she passed. The office door closed, and then a phone call, the words a muffle from here. The receptionist caught Cath’s eye and gave a gentle smile.

A few minutes later, Julie came back out. She approached Cath. ‘I’m sorry, but Maria can’t take any visitors just now … She’s taken a fall.’

‘Oh, no! Is it bad? Is she hurt?’

‘I’ve had to call an ambulance. And her son is coming in, too.’

‘Andreas … oh.’ The poor thing. He’d be so worried. ‘Is it okay to wait? In case I can help in any way? I’m a friend of Andreas,’ she explained.

‘Yes, that should be fine. Please wait here for now, though.’

‘Of course.’

‘There are things I need to do. Excuse me, I have to go.’ And with that Julie was off down the corridor.

It wasn’t long before Cath heard the scrunch of gravel outside. She saw the lads’ car with Dan at the wheel. Given the short time it had been, he’d surely been driving over like some kind of stunt man. Andreas stood out, looking shocked and pale, as an ambulance pulled in behind them.

Andreas dashed from the parking area and into reception. He saw, but hardly registered, that Cath was oddly already there. ‘My mother … Maria … ?’

Dan rushed in, hot on his heels.

Manager Julie came out to meet them, her tone full of measured calm. ‘Come on through. We’ve made her comfortable.’

‘Oh …’ Andreas’s voice was full of anguish. Cath’s heart went out to him.

With that, the paramedic team were ushered by. The corridor bustling, on alert, for a few moments, and then a hushed stillness swallowed them all.

Cath sat waiting patiently for news. She picked up the local magazine and flicked absent-mindedly through the pages. Time slowed, the tick of the wall clock felt very like a toll.

Voices once more, the striding of shoes, and a stretcher trolley came into view, carrying a very frail and pale elderly lady. Bless her, Maria. Cath stood up instinctively, it felt like a salute, her heart in her mouth as she watched them go by. Stay safe. Good luck.

Andreas was close behind the medical team, uttering, ‘I’m her son … I want to stay with her.’ His face was ashen.

Dan followed him, as close as a shadow.