Page 15 of Lost in Love
“Don’t worry. I’ll look after her.”
Katherine exited the visitor centre and set off to the top end of the abbey. She regretted getting hot drinks now; although it was a cool day, the heat from the cups was burning into her hands.
She found Anna sitting in the ruin of the chapel. She was in a small, low window frame, her back to the side and her legs stretched out along the sill, gazing out of what remained of the window. She looked peaceful yet burdened.
“Hello,” Katherine called out softly.
Anna jumped.
Katherine approached her. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you jump. I’m glad to see you resting, but perhaps you shouldn’t be sitting down on the job.”
“I was just taking five minutes. Doctor’s orders if I remember correctly,” Anna replied sullenly.
“You’ll find no argument from me.”
“I don’t remember making an appointment.”
“You didn’t, and that’s exactly why I’m here. Don’t fret; I cleared it with Carrie.”
“I heard you bought a lifetime pass; you’re practically royalty now.”
Anna swung her legs around and moved up. Katherine took the hint and sat beside her.
“Look, I’m sorry if we got off on the wrong foot when we first met. I get told I can be a little intimidating. I get a lot of questions; especially with the internet, everyone thinks they’re a doctor.”
“I get it, and yes, we did,” Anna said softly.
Anna seemed different to normal, not that Katherine knew what her normal was, but she seemed dejected and spiritless compared to their previous meetings. It saddened her to see Anna like this; her spirit was one of her most attractive qualities.
“Here, it’s not coffee. I couldn’t bring myself to buy one.” Katherine handed her a cup. “You know it’s basically an addictive poison.”
Anna took the cup from Katherine. “Thanks. I thought it was supposed to prevent heart disease.”
“It can also cause heart disease; it really depends on your genes.”
“I’m sure you didn’t come all the way from over there to talk to me about coffee.” Anna gestured towards Abbey House with her head.
“No, I came to see how you’re doing and in hopes you wouldn’t do a runner on me again. I’m not sure I’d keep up; I have a few years on you.”
Anna gave a weak smile. “I’m still alive, less so kicking.”
“Have you tried the tablets I prescribed?”
“Yes, they’ve actually helped. Thanks.”
“Good. I hate to bring it up, and please don’t shout at me, but I’ve been thinking about your predicament all week. Have you thought about a care home?” Katherine asked cautiously.
“Am I that shouty?” Anna said, her head dropped.
Katherine regretted her choice of words. She was really concerned now.
“You do know your father’s condition won’t improve, right? It will gradually worsen until he needs full-time care.”
Anna suddenly broke down in tears. It wasn’t something Katherine had expected; Anna had seemed such a hard nut that she’d thought the direct approach was best.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you,” Katherine said.
She wasn’t sure what to do, so, listening to her instincts, she placed her arm around Anna and pulled her closer. Anna willingly and surprisingly collapsed against her. Katherine placed her cheek on Anna’s head and held her tight as she sobbed. Katherine was close to tears herself; she knew what Anna was going through, and it brought back painful memories.
