Mrs Cole looked impressed and laughed out loud. ‘Nor would I afford anything after a week, I can tell you. Every time I go to visit Brendan, which isn’t very often like, because he just loves to come home for his holidays, I’m spent up within days – all on the kids, mind, and he gives me such a telling-off, so he does.’

‘They would all make you very welcome,’ said Maura, fully realising that Mrs Cole would hardly be likely to become a resident of the four streets, even if she did live in Liverpool.

Mrs Cole patted Maura on the arm. ‘Well, isn’t that just a lovely thing to say? But, you see, the thing is I’ve spent the greater part of my life in Ballynevin. I know it, I have my daughter and my grandchildren there and so I could never leave, now could I? But, it’s not just that, not just the family; I know every single person I pass on the road every day, every building. And the seasons, well, nothing they bring holds any surprise for me and I like that. I know it’s how it’s meant to be and, you know, if people need me, if they need a bit of help, they know where to find me.’

Maura knew that feeling too; it had been her life on the four streets…

‘And, my husband,’ Mrs Cole went on, ‘he’s buried in the Sacred Heart churchyard and so that’s that, isn’t it? The thought of leaving him there, well, it’s impossible. I never could go away and leave him, could I? It would be like deserting him. No, I’m tied to the place, so I am. Leaving him in death would be like leaving him in life, could you imagine? No, I would never be happy living anywhere else; I would fret and life, well, it’s too short to live somewhere you’re not happy, isn’t it?’ Maura thought of Kitty, and her heart folded in guilt as she realised how long it had been since she had taken flowers to the grave of her firstborn.

‘Oh, and see what’s my memory like! Brendan says would you drop a line to your old neighbour, Peggy; he thinks she could do with a word from yourself, to cheer her up like.’

Maura was speechless, remembering her decision on the way to the hospital that dreadful night. Harry opened his eyes. ‘Mammy, can I have a drink of water?’ he asked.

‘Mammy, is Paddy coming?’

Maura smiled and shook her head. ‘Have you been dreaming, little man? Paddy is back in Liverpool, with Auntie Peggy.’ Harry looked disappointed and Maura turned back to Mrs Cole.

‘Will you thank Dr Cole for asking about me?’ she asked.

‘Oh, I get the impression you will be doing that yourself before too long,’ said Mrs Cole and Maura knew she was right.

*