“I’ll talk to her about that when I go back later.”

His phone rang again.

She did some Google searches for two-bedroom apartments hoping to find a place where Kate could have some space. They were all rather pricey.

Then her phone rang too, a number she didn’t know. “Well, that was unexpected,” she said as she finished the call.

“What’s happened now?” Milt asked.

“That was Veronica.” Natalie stared at the phone in her hand. “She’d heard about Kate and wanted to know if there was anything she could do while she was in Adelaide.” She looked at Milt. “She’s offered us her apartment.”

An hour later Veronica was letting them inside. And Natalie felt a strange sense of deja vu.

“This is very good of you, Vee,” Milt said.

“It’s the least I could do. You’ve both been so kind since my diagnosis. Jack has certainly appreciated your hospitality. And as I told Natalie, I’m going home in the morning so this place will be empty. I’ve got a week off from treatment so I’m making the most of it.”

The woman who gave them a tentative smile was so different from the one who was in pieces the last time they saw her. The apartment seemed more welcoming too; it was fresher than it had been the last time and brighter in spite of the grey day.

Milt took Natalie’s case into the spare bedroom. “Bit of a waste of time really,” she said. “I haven’t got much with me for cold weather but I guess I can make do till I get home.”

“I’ve got several jackets and cardigans here,” Veronica said. “We’re about the same size. You’re welcome to help yourself.”

Milt came back and stood beside them. “Thanks again, Vee.” Natalie knew he was anxious to get home now that things were sorted in Adelaide.

“I’ll drive Milt over to pick up his vehicle,” Natalie said. “Then I’ll go back and visit Kate. I’ll probably spend the afternoon at the hospital.” She wished Veronica was going home today too but evidently she had an appointment first thing tomorrow before she headed off.

“I’ll make us some dinner,” Veronica said.

“I could buy something on my way back.”

“Let me. I don’t always feel like it but today’s a good day and it’s more interesting to cook for two.”

“If you’re sure.” Natalie agreed and she and Milt stepped back into the cold winter’s day.

Laura went to the back door at the sound of a vehicle. The dogs weren’t barking and she was expecting Bree but it was her grandmother’s car pulling in by the back gate.

Just as Olive opened her door there was a sharp shower of rain. Laura plucked an umbrella from the rack and dashed out to meet her.