Before today, the only ultrasound she’d experienced was when she was pregnant with Leo and it had been joyous. The radiographer had rubbed warm gel on her belly before pressing the probe over her baby bump. Jess had laid back in delight, watching tiny Leo floating contentedly inside her and sucking his tiny thumb. Today’s ultrasound was nothing like it. Who even knew it could be done vaginally, let alone be so painful and uncomfortable? It made the previous day’s blood tests, where the nurse had jabbed her three times before finding a vein, feel like a walk in the park.

Apparently, they’d ruled out appendicitis. Other than that, Jess couldn’t get much more out of the doctor or the nurses than Ramesh had told her the day before: “You have a fever and a urinary tract infection. This other pain you’re describing needs investigating.”

The pain that was never far away twisted sharply. Jess gripped the edge of the mattress, not daring to move in case she made it worse. Very slowly, she let go of her breath and the pain eased, receding to the familiar dull ache that was a permanent background presence. She suddenly wished Libby was here. Libby would have found out what was going on and explained it to her using words she understood. Libby would have sat by her bed, keeping her company and making her laugh.

At least, she would have—once.

Loneliness plucked at Jess. Should she call Patrice? She wasn’t certain their friendship had attained the level of keeping a sick friend company, especially as the French woman worked six long days a week. The accountant Jess worked for once a week was just down the road, but as they only ever discussed the account she managed, he wasn’t someone to call on either. She picked up her phone and for the tenth time opened the most surprising and unexpected text she’d received. Alice Hunter had sent her a photo of Leo. His eyes shone with delight, his face was wreathed in an all-encompassing grin and he looked so much like Nick that Jess’s heart turned over in painful delight each time she looked at it. Alice had added underneath, I hope you’re home soon.

The night before, desperate to hear Leo’s sweet voice, Jess had immediately texted her thanks and asked Alice for Nick’s phone number. Alice hadn’t replied, but at nine o’clock, Nick had sent his first ever email on the dedicated account.

Leo is doing okay and settled to sleep without any fuss. You know I can’t be your next of kin. Please give the hospital another name.

Jess didn’t have another name to give.