She thought of her daughter again. She loved the girl, though she’d never shown her and couldn’t recall ever telling her. If anything, she’d done the complete opposite and behaved despicably towards her, probably making her feel unwanted. She remembered when Sarah had been a babe in arms, so sweet and innocent. She’d vowed to love her and always look after her, but somewhere along the line, it had gone all very wrong. The biggest mistake she’d made was taking out her own frustrations on Sarah, yet still the girl was now showing her pity. It was too late, she knew her time was limited, but she dearly wished she could make up for all the wrongs she’d bestowed on her child.

The front door opened again, and Annie felt the waft of a cool breeze come in with her daughter.

‘The ambulance won’t be long, Mum,’ Sarah said as she knelt by her side.

Annie suddenly felt very confused. ‘What ambulance?’ she asked.

‘The one I’ve just called to take you to the hospital,’ her daughter answered.

Hospital? She managed to slowly lift her head and saw her engorged stomach. Was she in labour? She didn’t remember being pregnant.

She felt Sarah hold her hand. ‘It’ll be all right, Mum.’ Her daughter’s voice was soft, it felt soothing, but what would be all right?

‘No hospital, I ain’t got time to be mucking about, and I don’t want another child.’

‘What are you talking about, Mum?’

Annie moved her head from side to side. She didn’t know. Her mind was fuddled. ‘What’s going on?’ she asked, beginning to panic. She wanted to sit up, but her body wouldn’t respond.

‘Mum … calm down … please.’

‘I need to get up. I’ve got to go to work,’ Annie said, again scratching at her arms.

‘I think you’re a bit confused, Mum. Shush, lay still … relax.’

Annie listened to the sound of her daughter’s voice, then it seemed like a fog was clearing and she could think straight again. ‘I think I’m going mad,’ she said, unsure of what had just happened.

‘It’s all right, Mum. You’ll be in the hospital soon and they’ll know what to do.’

Oh, yes, the hospital. That was right, she was dying. Her liver wasn’t working. She remembered, but she wasn’t sure how long the clarity would remain. She had to tell Sarah something, something important, but what was it? Then it came back to her. ‘Sarah, my girl, I’m sorry I never told you … I love you. I always have. You’ve always been so precious to me and I’m so sorry I let you down. Be good to Tommy. Tell him every day how much you love him.’