“How long will it take?” Laura’s question was gentle, full of empathy.

“She’s having the operation first and then treatment…I don’t know.”

A chair scraped. “Your mum will fight this, Jack, and she’ll get through it.”

Natalie peered around the kitchen door, which was slightly ajar. Through the gap she saw Laura put a hand on Jack’s shoulder. Her rainbow-coloured hair hid the lighter colour that would be the same fair shade as Jack’s, the same as Milt’s used to be.

“She’s a strong woman, your mother.” Milt was looking at Jack with such, what would she call it? Compassion or…love?

Natalie pushed open the door.

“Hell’s teeth, Nat, where did you spring from?” Sitting opposite the door, Milt was the first to see her. They’d all been focused on Jack.

Then there was a clamour of voices as they all welcomed her, Sean the only one to get up. He came to her and kissed her cheek. “Good to see you, Natalie.”

She forced herself to smile and murmured a response but she was finding it hard to breathe. They were all staring at her – her husband, her daughters, Owen. Jack.

Laura came to give her a hug. “You look worn out, Mum. Have Nan and Gramps been running you ragged?”

“Have you eaten?” Kate asked. “Laura’s made a passable lamb ragu.”

Natalie glanced around the table at their empty plates then to the mess on the benches. She was home and yet it brought her no sense of relief.

“I snacked on the way,” she managed. “I’m not hungry but…I am tired. I’m sorry…I…”

Laura peered at her. “You don’t look well. Are you okay?”

Milt got to his feet.

She waved at him to sit down. “I’m fine.” She was saying it again. “Just tired. It has been a bit hectic.” Another lie. It had been like a holiday at her parents’ place compared to home.

“I ran into Claire while I was in town,” Bree said. “She covered one of your days off. She said to tell you the kids are fine and she had your program folder and gave it to me to bring back.”

Natalie glanced at the desk in the corner and the green folder perched there. She didn’t want to think about school or anything else really. Her head hurt from thinking.

“Thanks. I’ll leave you all to it and head straight to bed.” She backed away.

“I’ll bring you a cup of tea.” Kate looked concerned.