‘I was worried,’ Sarah replied. ‘You weren’t answering your phone.’ Sarah took an envelope from her bag and handed it to Maggie. ‘You know how I’m always entering crossword competitions? I won some Benetton vouchers. I thought you could spend them in Benetton Kids. They’re a bit too colourful for me.’

‘Thanks,’ Maggie said flatly, taking the envelope from her hand.

‘Is everything OK?’ Sarah said, her brows knitting together.

‘Sorry,’ Maggie sighed. ‘I’m tired. It’s been a long day. You’re too generous, Sarah, I don’t deserve your friendship. I …’ The words hung in the air. Maggie bowed her head. ‘Sorry.’

‘For what?’ Sarah said, touching her arm. ‘It was just a crossword competition. It only cost me the price of a stamp.’ A beat passed between them.‘Want to talk? It looks like something’s bothering you.’

But Maggie shook her head.

‘Have you been to see Lewis?’ Sarah said softly. ‘Is that what’s wrong?’

Elliott watched. Sarah was per-cep-tive. Like him. He only knew the word because Miss Grogan used it with him all the time. She said that it was a good thing, and it made him care a lot. Elliott had wondered if Miss Grogan had been per-cep-tive too.

He watched as Maggie nodded. ‘I went to see him this afternoon. It’s hard … you know? I miss him. But I don’t know how much longer we can go on like this.’

‘Then how about I take over his hospital visits for a while? It must be tiring, juggling your visits to Benrith with caring for Elliott.’

‘Oh, no, I couldn’t possibly expect you to …’ Her hand went to her wedding ring and she began to twirl it on her finger. ‘I mean, I wasn’t getting at that. It’s not as if he’ll be able to talk. Most of the time he doesn’t notice I’m there.’

‘I’m a very good wheelchair pusher,’ Sarah comforted. ‘We could go together if you prefer, wrap him up warm. Wheel him around the grounds. I used to wheel Grandad Noble everywhere. Great for toning your arms.’ Sarah winked.

‘No, honestly, I …’

‘Come on.’ Sarah’s smile was as warm as the sun.

‘OK. I’ll talk to the hospital. Clear it with them first.’

Elliott sucked his bottom lip. Maybe he could go too. Sarah would make everything alright.

Sarah glanced down the hall, a brief smile touching her lips as she caught him staring at them both. He ducked behind his doorway before his mother told him off.

‘I see you, Elliott,’ Maggie said. ‘Come on then, thank Sarah for the vouchers and get back to bed.’

Elliott didn’t need to be asked twice. ‘Auntie Sarah!’ he called, his feet thumping against the wooden floorboards as he ran to her.

‘Hey there, little man. Are you OK?’ Sarah beamed.