Page 45 of The Winter We Met
I hurried out, whistling as I made my way to my car parked further down the road.
‘Thanks for popping in,’ said Gran, twenty minutes later, as I caught my breath. She was staring out of the window, watching a barge glide past.
I’d practically skipped into the hospital on Monday, when she’d finally been discharged, however she didn’t brighten up when I told her all about the movie screening and how enthusiastic everyone one was. Her back still ached and for the first time ever she talked about getting a Zimmer frame.
I bent down and gave her a hug. She didn’t take her eyes off the canal.
‘Where’s Buddy?’ she asked.
‘Getting cuddles in the lounge before our walk. I don’t expect you’ve heard back yet from the council, following your assessment.’ I sat on the bed, next to her.
Gran lifted a cup of tea. It was on a little table on wheels, in front of her bedroom armchair. Wedged by her side, against the chair’s colourful throw, was her favourite weekly magazine. It looked unread.
‘We only saw the social worker yesterday.’ Finally she turned away from the window.
‘How do you think it went?’
Gran shrugged. I didn’t like talking behind her back but I’d had a quiet word with the social worker, Hazel, as I walked her out and explained that Gran was still feeling the aftereffects of her fall. As it was, the care needs assessment hadn’t taken long. Gran still needed help washing and dressing. The only thing that had changed since her last assessment was that her mobility had slightly worsened. Time would tell as to whether her fall was a one-off or something that would happen more often from now on. I’d had to push her to be transparent with Hazel and the occupational therapist. Gran was all for putting on a brave face but that wasn’t going to help her get into another care home speedily.
I lay awake last night, worrying about her future. It was about a month now until the residents would be forced to leave. Social Services had reassured us that Gran would be found somewhere even if it was a temporary placement and I’d been making calls to places on the directory. But I hadn’t found one yet that was suitable even though the staff all sounded very friendly on the phone. Those that met Gran’s needs had a waiting list. Others were mainly for dementia patients or didn’t have ensuite rooms. What if it was months before we found the perfect place? What if this current low mood turned into full-blown depression?
‘How are you feeling about it all now?’
She reached for the magazine and browsed, even though it was upside down. ‘I only got upset in hospital because I was in shock.’
I reached forwards and closed the magazine. ‘The social worker… she seemed genuine, right, and seemed to really care?’
‘Hazel said I could ring her any time. That meant a lot. One thing I learnt a long time ago – acceptance makes life a lot easier. We can try to fight against things that have happened and can’t be taken back, but what’s the point? Far better to get on with dealing with them. It is what it is.’
I’d learnt that at a young age, too.
‘What do you think of the care home I rang up yesterday? You looked at the link I emailed you? The rooms are ensuite and Upperhyde is only ten miles away. The warden sounded very accommodating.’
‘Upperhyde is a busy town and this place… Darkthorn House, it’s right in the middle by a busy road instead of a canal.’ The corners of her mouth sunk. ‘Darkthorndoesn’t sound very friendly.’
‘I think it sounds sexy, like aGame of Thronescharacter.’
Normally she would have laughed at that.
‘So, I’ll book a visit?’
‘Whatever you think is best,’ said my Gran, never before in her whole life.
I looked at my watch. ‘Nik’s meeting me in reception. I haven’t seen him since Sunday.’
‘Oh, he’s been here a while.’ Momentarily, her features brightened. ‘He popped in to say a quick hello and to see how I was. Apparently he’s been messaging Glenda about the photograph collection.’
‘I didn’t even know they’d exchanged numbers.’ That was so cute.
‘When he was in Birmingham he found a market stall selling 1940s postcards and wanted to know what she thought to including those along with our photos.’ Gran’s eyes twinkled. ‘You should have heard her talking about him in the lounge. I’ve never seen her so fired up. She passed his texts around, like badges of honour, and didn’t once complain about her indigestion or back… It’s kind of sad in a way.’
‘How so?’ I asked, a warm glow infusing me as she became more animated.
‘She’s never had photos of a husband or children to show everyone. Her… what shall we call it… sweet spot for Nik – well, I’m seeing her with new eyes.’ She glanced at me sideways. ‘Talking of sweet spots, how’s my favourite barman? He couldn’t swap his shifts so that he could go on this jolly with you?’
‘I don’t know. Now, did you watch that new detective show last night?The Coffee Shop Mysteries? It’s right up your street. The main character—’
Gran’s eyes narrowed. ‘What do you mean,you don’t know?’
