Page 57 of Jack

Astrid linked her fingers with his, and he was grateful to have her with him. “How is she?”

The doctor who was around his age clicked a button on a computer and faced the four of them. “She’s suffered what we call a TIA or Transient Ischaemic Attack. It has resolved itself, but she will need to make some changes in her lifestyle and cut down on stress. We want to keep her for a few days just to run some more tests and make sure, but right now she’s awake and asking to see you all, but it needs to be two at a time.” The five of them stood as one. “She’ll be moved onto a ward as soon as we can find her a bed.”

“Thank you, doctor.”

Jack thrust out his hand, and the doctor shook it with a nod. “You’re welcome.”

Astrid rubbed Jack’s arm, offering comfort. “How about Aubrey and I go and get coffee, and you come to find us when you’re ready?”

“That sounds good but stay inside the hospital. I don’t want you wandering around outside in the middle of the night.”

Astrid went on tiptoes and kissed him lightly, her lips soft against his. “Bossy.”

“I love you.”

“Now you’re not playing fair.”

Jack chuckled. “But it’s true, I do.”

“I know. Which is why I’ll do as you ask—this time.”

He gave her a wink and watched her and Aubrey walk down the corridor towards the all-night coffee shop.

He and Will walked through the double doors to the accident and emergency bays and looked around until his eyes found his mother. Relief came over his face when he saw her sitting up in bed, looking tired but alive. Anything else he could face but not losing his mother, not now, he wasn’t ready.

Jack had always sought his father’s approval, but it was his mum he turned to for love and guidance. She had been, and still was, the bedrock of the Granger family.