Epilogue
EPILOGUE
It’s late January and I’m sitting at home reading a book, with a surgical plaster across my face. Thankfully, the surgery wasn’t too invasive, and the incision was quite small. I may have a faint scar, but as Gemma pointed out, Bentham’s has the best make-up foundation money can buy.
I have taken a couple of days off work, and Mum has just returned from the kitchen, after making me a cup of tea.
Kian has been wonderful too, but is busy at work with back-to-back appointments as he told me he would be.
‘You don’t need to fuss, Mum, I’m fine really. I haven’t had major surgery like Dad,’ I tell her, looking up from my book. ‘I’m not ill.’
‘I know that, but I don’t mind popping in, now that your dad is up and about. You did enough fussing over both of us when we were laid up as I recall.’ She smiles.
Thankfully, Dad came through his operation okay, and is feeling the benefit of his surgery, saying he is already feeling less breathless. I think he has rather enjoyed having me and Mum fussing over him.
‘Anyway. I will be off now. It’s cookery afternoon at the food bank. We are making soup today,’ she tells me as she pulls on her coat.
‘Sounds good, especially in this weather.’
The snow has long gone but there is a bitter chill outside.
‘I’ll save you some if you like. Anyway, see you later at the concert.’
‘See you later. Bye, Mum.’
At six thirty we will be attending a concert at the local primary school, where some of the children will be showing off their recorder skills.
Most of the pensioners from the party will be attending, and just as on the day of the party, Sue and I will collect those who cannot make their own way there.
Gemma went to Wales last weekend, and bumped into her cousin’s friend in the local pub. With his new girlfriend. Luckily, she had already decided that Mike was the one, having missed him terribly over the weekend.
Taking my seat next to Eileen at the school concert, I glance around at the packed-out hall, and feel a warm glow inside.
The evening is a roaring success, and Elsie has a tear in her eye when black-haired Robbie plays a solo piece on the recorder. When she catches his eye after he has finished to thunderous applause, he gives her a wave.
‘Aren’t children a joy,’ Eileen says over cake and coffee in the school hall later.
‘Oh, they are,’ says a smiling Elsie, who seems far more cheerful than I remember. ‘And the good news is the headteacher told me they are going to do a concert once a month. She said it pulls the community together.’
‘I couldn’t agree more.’ I smile as she goes off to chat to someone else.
‘Pub?’ asks Gemma, linking her arm through mine as we file out of the school hall.
‘With this on my face.’ I point to the giant plaster. ‘The school hall is one thing, but the pub is different.’
‘Fair enough. I have gin at my place?’
‘Lead the way,’ I say as a text pings through on my phone from Kian. I tell him I am heading to Gemma’s and he says he will collect me later on after his last meeting around nine thirty if I like.
I tell him that would be great, before linking arms with my best friend and truly counting my blessings.
* * *
If Lauren’s story has you longing for another gorgeous escapist read, then don’t miss My Big Greek Summer .