Natalie’s arm dropped to her side, the mobile phone, silent now, clutched tightly in her hand. How could she have forgotten Laura was coming home? She moved further along the footpath outside Veronica’s place where she’d come to make her call as soon as she’d remembered. Now she couldn’t face going back inside the overheated unit, the TV playing but no-one watching, Milt trying to make small talk and fussing over Veronica. Natalie had wanted to get away to a motel but Veronica had offered them the spare room and Milt had agreed immediately.

“What are you doing out here?” Milt strode along the path towards her. He looked down at the phone. “Did you ring home? Everything all right?”

“Yes. Laura’s there.”

“What’s she doing home? I was going to suggest we have a coffee with her before we left in the morning.”

“She rang me…yesterday…” Natalie dragged her fingers through her short hair trying to remember. “No, the day before. Said she was coming home for the weekend. I forgot.”

“At least Bree will have help till I can get home.”

“Yes.” Natalie thought about her younger daughter and her notorious dislike of sheep.

Milt glanced at his watch. “I hope Bob gets here soon. I’ve run out of things to say.”

“Perhaps it’s best not to say anything.” Natalie couldn’t imagine what Veronica was feeling but she thought she had a small idea after her own turmoil.

“Ready to go back?” Milt put an arm around her shoulders.

It was dark but not like at home. The streetlights were on and a nippy wind blew now but Natalie didn’t want to return to the cloying heat of the unit.

She leaned against his shoulder. How good it felt. Tears of relief welled in her eyes. She wanted a moment with her husband to celebrate her reprieve. “Can’t we stay out here a little longer? It’s so hot in there.”

Milt pulled away. “Veronica needs us. Maybe you more than me. I’m surprised you’ve hardly spoken to her.”

Natalie’s tears dried up. He’d been making enough fuss for the both of them. “I don’t know what to say. We’re not at all close.”

“What does that matter? You’re a woman. I’m sure Veronica would have been supporting you if today’s results had been reversed.”

His words were like a slap. Would he have preferred she was the one with the cancer? “I’m doing my best. Veronica needs someone she’s close to. Bob should be here soon.”

His look softened. She could see he was out of his depth but she couldn’t help him. She didn’t want to help Veronica either. What kind of person did that make her?

“I’m going back in.” He started to walk away then stopped and held his hand out. “I’ll turn the heating down.”