As soon as she walked into the bedroom, Ma held up her pad: ‘Is he coming?’

‘I’ve left a message.’ Jenny sat down on the edge of the bed and began to feed Ma. ‘He’ll come as soon as he can. He does have a job and can’t leave when he likes.’

Ma seemed to accept that and chewed thoughtfully on a fluffy dumpling. I do wish you could talk, Jenny thought, as she put the empty bowl back on the tray. She’d dearly love to know what this sudden urge was to see Matthew. And why the hurry?

She was pondering this question, wiping Ma’s mouth with a cloth, when there came the sound of someone running up the stairs.

Matthew appeared, all smiles. ‘Hello, Jen, hello, Ma, how are you today?’

She waved her right hand for him to come closer, giving a crooked grin of pleasure.

He bent over and kissed her on top of her head, then turned to Jenny, who was watching the scene in bemusement. Anyone would think these two had known each other for years. When he also kissed her cheek, she was sure she heard Ma laugh.

‘Now, Ma, I received your message.’ He turned his full attention to the woman in the bed, and sat on the edge. ‘What can I do for you?’

The word ‘tea’ was scribbled down and held up for Jenny to see. She was then told to go away with a wave at the door.

Picking up the tray, Jenny went downstairs and washed up before making the tea. Ma clearly wanted to see Matthew on his own, but it was a puzzle why she was acting like this with someone she hardly knew.

Feeling she’d given them quite enough time, Jenny made a pot of tea, sorted out a few biscuits and put three cups on the tray. This she took up to the bedroom.

Ma was settled back on the pillows, eyes closed and holding Matthew’s hand. Jenny put the tray down with a crash on the small bedside table. ‘You’ve tired her out!’

Ma’s eyes shot open and she shook her head slightly.

‘I don’t think so.’ Matthew slipped a sheet of paper into his pocket. ‘Ah, tea. We’re both gasping, aren’t we, Ma?’

He proceeded to pour them all a cup, popping a piece of biscuit in his mouth as he did so.

‘Have you had any lunch yet?’ Jenny guessed he was on his break.

‘Haven’t had time. I’ll grab something on my way back.’

‘I can make you some toast.’ Jenny was on her feet, but he put out a hand to stop her.

‘I’m all right.’ He handed her a cup. ‘Sit down for a while.’