Page 20 of New Beginnings at the Cosy Cat Cafe
‘Oh, he’s good, thanks. Totally forgotten about his run-in with the fire brigade,’ she said, smiling.
‘That’s cats for you, isn’t it? Nine lives and all that? Theycertainly don’t dwell on things, do they? Just off on their next adventure. We could learn a lot from them, I reckon.’
‘I know what you mean. Life’s all about chasing mice and persuading us that it’s dinner time again,’ Tori laughed.
‘That’s a good look on you,’ said Leo, his gaze lingering.
‘What is?’
‘A smile. The first time I met you, you were panic-stricken over Ernie.’ He added quickly, ‘Understandably, of course. And, today, well, today you were…’
‘Biting your head off?’
‘Hey, you said it,’ said Leo, holding his hands up and laughing.
Tori felt butterflies surge in her stomach despite herself. There was something about the way Leo’s whole face lit up when he smiled, it was so natural, so… perfect. It made her feel… well, something, despite the fact that she was absolutely certain that she wasn’t ready to feel something for anyone just yet, even if it was for someone like Leo.
Chapter 8
The next few days passed in a blur as Tori and Rose managed the running of the Cosy Cup between them while Joyce was out of action. Tori was exhausted by the time she got home each evening, but was determined not to show it; the last thing she wanted was for her mum to worry. Before she knew it, Thursday morning had come around and she was sitting in the waiting room at Blossom Heath Medical Centre with her mum, waiting for her results. The door to Dr Marshall’s consulting room swung open.
‘Joyce Baxter?’ he called, in a deep, low voice. Joyce and Tori entered the consulting room. ‘Have a seat, please, Joyce,’ he said, pointing at a chair. ‘How are you feeling? Any more fainting episodes?’
‘None and I’ve been doing exactly as you said, Doctor. I’ve kept away from work and have been taking it easy. Tori’s been doing a great job of looking after me,’ Joyce said, beaming at her daughter. ‘I can’t say it’s been easy, though,’ she added quickly, ‘I’ve watched enough daytime TV to last a lifetime.’
‘Well, I’ve got your results here.’ Tori took her mum’s hand. ‘Your thyroid levels are lower than they should be – it seems you have an underactive thyroid.’
‘What does that mean?’ Tori asked quickly, her heart beating faster.
‘It’s nothing to worry about – it’s quite common as you get older. Your thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone anymore. We can prescribe you tablets to bring your thyroid levels back to where they should be.’
‘And then I’ll start to feel better?’ asked Joyce.
‘It’ll take a few weeks to kick in, but then you’ll start to feel an improvement,’ he said.
‘At least it’s treatable, that’s the main thing,’ Joyce replied.
‘Your vitamin D and B12 levels are also low. I’ll write you a prescription for the vitamin D and the B12 is given as an injection. You’ll need one every other day for the first two weeks and then one every three months going forward.’
‘Every other day?’ said Joyce, her face falling. Tori felt her mum’s grip on her hand tighten. ‘But I don’t really like needles, Doctor… Isn’t there another option? Tablets?’
‘Afraid not,’ he said, shaking his head. ‘We need to give the dose intramuscularly when the levels are this low. It’s by far the most effective method.’
‘You’ll be fine, Mum. You’re the bravest person I know. What chance has a little needle got against you?’
Joyce smiled weakly and nodded.
‘I can give you the first dose now,’ he said.
‘Now?’ said Joyce, her eyes widening.
‘There’s no time like the present, Mum – you may as well get it over with.’
Joyce nodded and began rolling up her sleeve.
‘Excellent. I’ll write the prescription for your vitamin D and thyroxine and, Tori, if you could take a seat in the waiting room? We’ll have this jab done in no time, Joyce.’
Tori took a seat in the waiting room, pulling her phone out of her pocket and typingunderactive thyroid. Scrolling down the page, she clicked on the NHS website and read:thyroid gland not producing enough hormone… treated by daily hormone tablets… symptoms include tiredness, dizziness, muscle aches…That certainly sounded like everything her mum had been experiencing. An underactive thyroid and vitamin deficiencies. This she could deal with. It could have been worse. So much worse. It was going to take her mum time to get back on her feet, but she should make a full recovery. Tori looked up as the consulting room door opened.
