Chapter 67
SIXTY-SEVEN
ALICE
Alice’s friends had been astounded by her progress in the weeks that followed.
Perhaps being in her own home had helped as the doctor had thought, as it wasn’t long before Alice had told the carer she was no longer required.
Even so, Jess always checked on her before she left for work to ensure she was up and dressed.
Alice had shown the determination of someone half her age and was now walking largely unaided, apart from using a walking stick if she needed to get to the local shop.
‘If I don’t get out for a daily walk I think I shall go mad,’ she told Jess one day when she met her in the lobby downstairs. Sitting watching daytime television all day was enough to drive a person to drink, thought Alice. Thankfully, she had discovered some interesting podcasts to listen to.
‘Okay, but be careful,’ said Jess, who thought Alice probably needed a walking frame rather than a walking stick, but never said anything.
Even if her friends and family had tried to advise her otherwise, there was no way Alice would give up.
Her hip had healed nicely thankfully, without needing any major surgery, which she had attributed to her strong bones.
Being a dancer in her younger days and a lifelong healthy diet had almost certainly helped.
Still, she knew she had been lucky. And she was not so foolish as to venture outside if there was any ice on the pavements.
The weeks had quietly bled into December now, and the shops were busy with people buying gifts for their loved ones.
Darkness fell over the city around five, when the Christmas lights would add some festive cheer to the gloomy weather.
The sight of the decorated tree in the village centre cheered up Alice immensely every time she walked past.
Jess had been kind enough to invite everyone to her place for Christmas lunch. Carol would bring an additional folding table to accommodate everyone, as well as preparing and bringing some of the food.
Alice had a feeling that Carol was someone who would be instrumental in keeping the group together and it gave her some comfort. She could rest easy knowing that the house was safe and that the friendships would continue. Soon enough it would be time to pass on the baton.