Page 49 of The Forever Gift

‘Mammy, look, look,’ Molly calls, pointing at the teenager. ‘He’s all bleedy.’

‘Molly, stop that. Pointing is rude,’ I say, hoping the boy won’t notice.

‘But look.’ Molly tugs on the sleeve of my top. ‘His arm is all bleedy. He’s going to die.’

‘Molly, he’s not going to die,’ I whisper, taking her hand and leading her to the side. ‘Lots of people come to the hospital to get better.’ I force a smile trying to be reassuring.

‘Like Kayla,’ Molly says.

My breath catches and I can feel my face fall before I answer. ‘Yes,’ I say, lifting Molly into my arms so I can feel the warmth of her little body close to me. ‘Like Kayla. There are lots and lots of doctors and nurses working here. It’s their job to help Kayla. Look, there’s a doctor right now, doesn’t he look helpful?’

I point at a doctor in scrubs.

‘It’s rude to point, Mammy,’ Molly reminds me.

‘Oh, Molly.’

‘Why is he wearing his jammies?’ Molly asks, scrunching her eyes trying to get a better look. ‘I like his blue jammies but I like my unicorn jammies better.’

Molly’s innocence lifts me. ‘C’mon,’ I say, leading Molly back towards the reception desk. ‘Let’s see if Daddy is ready.’

‘Tell her Kayla is my sister,’ Molly says, jumping up and down trying to see the receptionist behind the high counter.

‘Molly, shh.’ I place my finger over my lip. ‘Daddy is talking.’

‘Do we just go through these doors, then?’ Gavin points.

‘Pointing is rude, Daddy,’ Molly says, still jumping.

‘Molly please,’ I say, placing my hand on her shoulder to steady her. ‘This is important.’

‘Yes. And then take a left. The lifts are right there,’ the receptionist says, but her directions wash over me making little sense. ‘There will be someone there to meet you and talk you through the test.’

‘Thank you,’ Gavin says.

‘Bye-bye, sweetheart,’ the lady says, waving at Molly. ‘You’re a very brave girl.’

‘I can’t wait to see Kayla,’ Molly says. ‘I’m going to tell her all about how I learned to play “Twinkle Twinkle” on the peenano with no ’istakes at all at all.’

‘That’s great, Molly,’ Gavin says, looking up to read overhead signs as we navigate our way. ‘I’m sure Kayla will be delighted to hear all your news, but we have to see the doctor first, remember?’

‘The doctor in his jammies,’ Molly giggles.

‘Here we are,’ Gavin says, pressing the buzzer on large double doors. ‘I think it’s through here.’

‘That’s very silly.’ Molly shakes her head. ‘Doorbells go on the outside. Not the inside.’

‘Hello,’ a voice carries through the intercom.

‘Hello. I’m Gavin Doran. I’m here with my daughter Molly.’

There’s a loud buzz and Molly laughs as the doors release. ‘Magic doors,’ she squeals excitedly, and my heart aches as I wish there really was such a thing as magic.

TWENTY-ONE

HEATHER

There’s a paper cup of coffee in my hands as I sit on the uncomfortable metal chairs outside Kayla’s room. I have no idea how I got the coffee I’m holding, or if I’ve drunk any of it. It’s cold now and I really should throw it in the bin, but I just don’t trust my legs to hold me up if I try to stand.

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