Page 24 of By His Play

Back in the day, she was a smoker, and it’s left her lungs wrecked. Every time she gets even a cold, it goes straight to her chest.

She’s been battling a cough for years, but recently, it’s changed. It’s deeper, rattlier.

I’m busy telling Grams about my mani-pedi and all the colors I had to choose from and how impossible it was without her help when one of her nurses joins us.

“Good afternoon,” she says, smiling brightly at me before turning to Grams. “How are you feeling, Nora?” Predictably, she doesn’t get a response, but that doesn’t stop her. Laura chats away as if they’re in a full-blown conversation as she does her checks. It’s impressive, but then, I guess it is her job.

“And this young man that Effie has brought with her?” Laura starts, making me cringe. “Phew, if only I was thirty years younger. She’s found herself a good one there.”

My heart launches into my throat, and my eyes jump to Kieran’s. Thankfully, his expression instantly settles me. He’s got a soft smile playing on his lips and a twinkle in his eye. He’s loving this. I really shouldn’t be surprised.

Pushing from his seat, he moves a little closer and holds his hand out.

“I’m Kieran,” he says, introducing himself.

“Oh, sweetie,” Laura says, blushing. “I know exactly who you are.”

“Right,” Kieran mutters, shooting me a look.

“These two here never stop talking about you.”

“Oh god,” I complain. “Don’t listen to her; it’s all lies.”

“Grams loves me,” he says with a nonchalant shrug before dropping back into his seat.

“How is she doing?” I ask, turning the conversation away from Kieran’s ego.

Laura’s sigh is all the answer I need.

“She’s struggling with this cough. I’m afraid it’s turned into an infection. We’ve given her antibiotics, and we’re hoping we’ve caught it early enough.”

But what if you haven’t?

I swallow down that question. It doesn’t need asking. We’re all achingly aware of the outcome here.

“Has she been like this all day?”

“On and off. She was better this morning. We had a chat about the weather and the birdsong outside.”

It’s like she wraps a band around my chest and squeezes tightly.

I wasn’t here.

Glancing at Kieran, I see guilt etched in his features.

It’s not his fault, though. He was trying to do something nice for me.

He did. And it was amazing.

I just…I should have been here.

I have time to do amazing things once I’m no longer needed.

My priority now has to be Grams.

“That’s good,” I force out.

“I’m sorry I don’t have more positive news,” Laura says before finishing up and leaving us alone once again.

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