Page 71 of The Winter We Met
Her frown disappeared for a second. ‘James Dean reincarnated.’
‘I was thinking more Robert Pattinson.’
’I’d forgotten your sixth form crush on a vampire.’
‘I do think it’ll be lovely looking out onto the play area when the weather improves. Apparently it’s a five-minute walk from a primary school and families head there at the end of each day.’
‘I liked the sound of some of the activities. I’ve always wanted to try acting. And I noticed, as we drove away, there’s a nice-looking pub and newsagent’s around the corner.’
It was great to hear her sounding more positive.
‘That care worker we spoke to in the dining room seemed very friendly,’ I said.
‘Joanne? Yes, she asked me what my favourite pudding was. Apparently they make sure everyone gets theirs regularly and one of the cooks is a trained pastry chef. It’s just…’
I pointed to the Victoria sponge. Gran shook her head.
‘I’m glad it’s dual-registered – who knows, in the future, I might need more nursing care and I wouldn’t want to move again. But I double-checked and there’s no dementia wing. That means that Pan wouldn’t be able to move there.’
The look on her face broke my heart.
‘They said they had several rooms available. I’m sure some of your other friends might move in. And I can take you to visit Pan whenever you want. But it’s early days… we can keep looking.’
Gran shook her head. ‘No. I’ve got to be sensible. This place is highly rated. It’s decent. And the not knowing, the living in limbo… that’s harder than anything.’ She sucked in her cheeks. ‘Sooner or later I’ve got to make a decision.’
‘How about we visit it again with Lynn? She offered to come with us if we liked the place, and she could ask any pertinent questions that we might have missed.’
‘She’s a diamond.’
‘It’s not too far for me and Oliver to drive to. Plus they allow well-behaved dogs into the lounge and what about—’
‘I know. That swung it for me.’ Gran took a slice of sponge and bit into it and for a second I saw a familiar twinkle in her eyes. ‘Although Silver is a terrible name for a goldfish.’
‘Its owner must have had a sense of humour so it suits you down to the ground.’
The person who’d had Gran’s room had left behind a pet. The care home hadn’t liked to part with it. The manager had said they’d move it out unless Gran wanted it.
‘Of course, we’d have to get it a bigger tank,’ she said. ‘Maybe you could take me shopping for a new underwater ornament.’
‘I’ll always help you clean it and buy the fresh weed whenever needed.’ Maybe this was all going to turn out as best as we could hope for. The tea room emptied out as the lunch hour rush came to an end. I suggested we share one of the scones. Gran didn’t reply so I took that as a yes.
‘I… I just want it all over now,’ she said. ‘To move as quickly as possible. There’s no avoiding it. I mean, what’s the point in even having the party? Everyone should just accept the good times are over and cancel it.’
‘Gran! Your friends are so looking forward to it. It’s a final goodbye – a celebration of all the friendships and good times that you’ve all had.’
‘More like a memorial,’ she muttered. ‘I won’t be going.’
She didn’t mean that. She couldn’t.
‘Well, I left my clipboard on your bed, listing everyone who’s involved and the tasks we need to keep on top of… I… I thought you might like to look through it before Wednesday’s crafting session.’
We sat in silence for a few minutes, watching the world go by outside.
‘I could stay here all day,’ I said.
‘Stay as long as you like,’ said our waitress as she came over to clear the plates. ‘In fact, why don’t I refresh those drinks?’
The rain-drenched street outside didn’t look inviting so I nodded and thanked the waitress.
