‘Don’t cook anything that requires that wine – it’s truly horrendous.’
‘Noted, dear.’
37
Amanda
‘A stroke,’ said the doctor to Amanda as they stood in the hallway outside the emergency department. ‘We have administered a drug to try and ease the pain and she’s going to CT now so we can assess the damage and see if we have to perform surgery.’
Amanda held Carole and Janet’s hands. ‘Can I see her?’ she asked.
‘It’s family only,’ the doctor said.
‘I’m her granddaughter,’ Amanda said, and felt both women squeeze her hands. ‘And these are my aunts,’ she added.
The doctor shrugged, clearly occupied with other things that required his attention. ‘Okay but she’s in and out of awareness. Don’t tire her.’ He beckoned to a nurse. ‘Can you take them to the woman with the stroke?’
The nurse smiled at them all. ‘Come this way,’ she said, and she used her pass to open the doors and lead them to the bay.
She moved back the curtain slightly to reveal Diana in a hospital bed. ‘She’s sleeping, but feel free to just sit with her and hold her hand, let her know you’re here.’
Amanda stepped forward to Diana’s side and picked up one of her thin hands. ‘Diana, it’s Amanda. I’m here, and so are Janet and Carole,’ she said quietly.
The sound of the machines and the familiar hospital smells reminded her of when her mother was dying, and she wiped a tear that fell.
Diana’s closed eyes flicked and she opened her mouth and then closed it again.
‘It’s okay, I’m here,’ Amanda whispered. ‘I know everything and it’s okay. I don’t understand but I will, so please stay and make sure I understand one day. You’re the only family I have now.’
Diana opened her mouth again. ‘Father?’ she said but her words were slurred.
‘No, it’s Amanda,’ she said.
‘Don’t take her,’ Diana mumbled. ‘No, leave her. She’s mine.’
Diana’s eyes opened but she was staring ahead, not seeing anything in the room it seemed.
‘What’s happened?’ Amanda asked Carole.
‘Her brain is injured. Old memories are coming back from long ago. Her synapses are making new pathways. It’s common but not pleasant for her. I’ll get the nurse.’
Carole left to find the nurse and Janet stepped away and left Amanda alone with Diana who was trying to say something.
‘No, no,’ she cried and Amanda held her hand.
‘Diana, it’s okay. Your baby is safe. She’s here; she’s with you. I’m here,’ she repeated until Diana became quiet.
The curtain was pulled back and the nurse came in.
‘She seems calm now,’ she said to Carole.
Amanda leaned down and kissed Diana on the forehead. ‘Sleep and I will see you tomorrow. I promise. I’m not going anywhere.’
‘You have the knack,’ said the nurse to Amanda. ‘Getting her to settle.’
Amanda looked back at Diana. ‘Sometimes you just need someone who can soothe your fears, you know?’
The nurse nodded. ‘You’re a good granddaughter. She’s lucky to have you.’
