‘You don’t really need the detail, but suffice to say, she won’t be coming back,’ Gail finishes.

‘Pardon?’

‘Congratulations.’ Gail stretches her hand out to shake mine. ‘You’re the new ward sister. Penny’s decided to go private.’

I stare at her, long enough for her to wave her hand in my direction until I take hers and shake it. ‘She’s not coming back, Kat.’ She smiles, and wanders over to the bookcase, looking at familiar titles she will have seen and read before. She lifts out the one Mark lent me, nodding approvingly. ‘You’re the second youngest to get this promotion in the last five years…’ We both know she was the first. ‘I get glowing reports from staff and patients when doing any kind of appraisal process on you, always have. Mr Barnes talks incredibly highly of you.’ I blush almost as deeply as when he complimented me earlier. ‘And you are obviously a confident and assured manager, though you may need to pay attention to the detail on some aspects. We don’t have the luxury of staff numbers of old.’ She’s talking about the kitchen. I know she is. ‘So, there you are.’ She turns to face me, looking very pleased with herself. ‘Congratulations.’

I’m stunned. This is not how I thought our conversation was going to go. I don’t even know if I want this anymore. The responsibility… it’s too much. I think.

‘Now, this is a big challenge, it’s about more than just patient care at this level. It’s about management, strategy, understanding the bigger picture. Some patients are straightforward, some cases easy, but sometimes…’

I adjust the collar on my dress. Oh, how I know about the ‘sometimes’ right now.

‘But I have faith in you, you’ll do brilliantly.’

My mouth hangs open, I’m searching for the words to explain why this may be premature. Why I can’t accept.

‘Well done.’

‘I’m not sure I’m ready,’ I try.

‘Nonsense, of course you are. Now, we can talk about some of the details next week. I need to get off. It’s Jonny’s school sports day and I’ve been limbering up for the mums’ run. Sheena Daly has grossly underestimated my speed and I plan on putting her firmly back in her Lycra-clad box. I’m on annual leave now until a week on Thursday. Let’s have coffee when I get back and talk about what’s next. Okay? Great. Well done.’ She smiles, about turns and marches out, leaving the words of my promotion hanging in my office. I hear her bark some more orders through the ward as I run after her.

‘I can’t accept,’ I shout. She stops dead and turns to face me. ‘I can’t accept,’ I repeat. ‘Not until…’ I cough, swallow, then gesture towards my office. ‘I need to talk with you first. Can we? Please.’ Gail’s face is a mix of ice and thunder and total disbelief. ‘If you could just…’ I motion again for her to come into my office. The office. She looks at her watch. Poor Jonny and his sports day – though I can’t help thinking I’m giving Sheena Daly a lucky escape.