Chapter Thirty
I once read on an inspirational board on Pinterest, when I was wasting good writing time, that said you should ‘Go to bed with dreams. Wake up with plans’.
Waking up this morning, having spent hours in Sam’s company yesterday afternoon, my head is chock-a-block full of plans.
I whisk open my curtains and am blinded by the early morning sun. Not a cloud is in sight. It’s gonna be a beautiful day.
From the small bookshelf beside my wardrobe, I pull one of the many empty notebooks that I’d planned to fill with words for a novel. I write a plan for the week, drawing two columns: one with the days of the week, and the other column left blank. It doesn’t take long to fill in the blanks with lunch ideas and activities.
MondayGrease Monkeys and milkshakes
TuesdayHomemade sandwiches—grab fresh doughnuts after finishing work and bring back for dessert
WednesdayA selection of takeaway pasta from Belucci’s Italian restaurant for
lunch
ThursdayTrip out to Logan Falls for picnic lunch with basket put together by the
deli on Mason Street
FridayFarewell afternoon tea in the dining hall
This week won’t leave much in my pocket until next payday, but I don’t care. I’ll eat Nutella sandwiches for dinner if I have to.
Sam might not be exactly happy about me making his last day a big deal with a get-together with everyone, but I feel it’s a celebration. Whilst Sam might not want to make a fuss, I think it’s important for the residents. Sam may not realise it, but he’s made friends, and they deserve the opportunity to farewell him. It’s a unique situation, him being here in the first place, and leaving in better shape than when he arrived. I know Frederick will miss him dearly.
Whilst I’d love to take Sam out today, with Kathleen not working, I don’t want to trouble her. I’ll be asking enough of her during the week as it is. So today, perfect weather on my side, I’m taking Butch into the home. We can hang out in the courtyard and throw a ball around. I can’t wait for Sam to meet my hangry, attention-seeking sidekick. Seeing Sam with Ed the other day, the way he doted over him, I know he’ll love Butch. As for Butch, there’s no doubt he’ll be all over Sam. Butch is a pushover. He loves everyone.
I review my list once more and start setting my plans into action. I’ll talk to Kathleen tomorrow to get the all-clear to take Sam out on Thursday. I don’t think it’ll be an issue. Sam is gonna love it.
I text Ben and ask him when he’ll be in town next, and if he could manage to bring some boardies for Sam. It doesn’t take him long to respond.
The Sheriff: Did you get the tick of approval from the boss for this?
I don’t want him to worry, so I decide to call Ben and chat about it.
“It’ll be fine,” I assure him. “I’ll clear it with her tomorrow. She had no problems when I took him to the park the other day.”
“Yeah, I know, I just—”
“Worry too much?” I blurt out.
A deep chuckle echoes through the phone. “Yeah. I guess that’s what big brothers do.”
“Well I promise you, there’s nothing to be concerned about. The worse thing that’ll happen is he’ll end up with a few mozzie bites.”
“Okay, well I was planning on driving back on Friday to bring him home, but I’ll sort things so I can come over a day early and bring some stuff.”
I gloss over the fact that he’s taking Sam from me and thank him for making the arrangements. This week is gonna be tougher than I thought.
***
At eight-thirty on Monday morning, I turn down Mason Street on my way to work and almost hit a police car.Wake up, Jane. I’ll have time to go see Sam before my workday starts. As much as I feel like crying, I have to be strong for him. I can’t let him see me upset. It won’t make it any easier. Besides, I have bingo to run after lunch. I need to be bubbly and enthusiastic for that. Especially for Mrs Lee’s sake.
As I drive into the car park, a large white vehicle catches my eye at the main entrance. I slow the car down to a crawl and wind my window down, catching the reflective stickers on the sides. My heart sinks, heavy in the pit of my stomach.Why is an ambulance here?
I accelerate and swerve into the nearest car park, snatch up my bag, and run to the office. As I approach, the vehicle pulls away. The driver doesn’t put on the siren or flashing lights. It can’t be that bad. Maybe it was a false alarm.Patient transport?