Free A Silver Lining by Catrin Collier

house several times during the past three weeks, and had seen for himself exactly how bare and comfortless it was. He knew himself precisely what it meant to live out every day fighting a constant shortage of coal and food; and as a doctor, the last thing he was prepared to do was discharge Alma Moore into a cold, hungry home, where she’d be looking for paid work before her operation scar had time to heal. ‘You’re here for at least one more week, Madam, whether you like it, or not.’
    Alma’s mouth set in a grim line as she turned her face to the wall. Pity and charity! Since she’d collapsed in the café they greeted her at every turn. She knew from what her mother had told her during her Sunday and Wednesday visits, that she had practically moved in with Betty Lane next door, supposedly ’to help out with the children’. She also knew that Laura Lewis called in every day to check that her mother was all right and had everything she needed.
    The kindness of neighbours and friends was proving very hard to take, particularly as she knew it was extremely unlikely she’d ever be able to reciprocate their favours.
    ‘Laura’ll be here in a minute with your mother.’ Trevor picked up Alma’s chart from the foot of her bed and studied it.
    ‘See, you can stop worrying, we have everything under control,’ Tina mumbled, her mouth full of chocolate cream.
    ‘Including the disposal of any sweets that the patient is given?’ Trevor lifted an eyebrow. ‘Did you remember to bring in two boxes, one for yourself and one for Alma?’
    Tina stuck a chocolate-coated tongue out at him.
    ‘Only thinking of your figure, dear sister-in-law,’ he teased.
    Alma looked towards the door. Leaning heavily on Laura’s arm, her mother was walking slowly down the central aisle between the beds. Dressed in the second-hand coat, woollen hat, scarf and gloves Alma had given her for Christmas, she was carrying a brown string carrier bag.
    ‘Here we are, Mrs Moore.’ Laura led Alma’s mother towards the chair Tina had vacated, and lined her up in front of the seat. ‘You can sit here, right next to Alma’s bed.’
    Alma reached out and placed her mother’s hand on the edge of the seat; only then did Lena Moore gingerly lower herself.
    ‘Doctor Lewis tells me you’re feeling better, Alma?’ She felt for the bed and deposited her carrier bag on it.
    ‘I’m fine.’ Alma forced herself to sound bright and cheerful.
    Using Alma’s voice as a guide, Lena leaned forward and fumbled for her daughter’s hand. ‘Are you really?’ she whispered intensely.
    ‘Of course,’ Alma reassured her, taking her hand.
    ‘Tina and I have to visit the men’s ward,’ Laura tapped her sister’s arm. ‘Our uncle was brought in last night.’
    ‘Oh dear, nothing serious I hope.’ Mrs Moore lifted her face in Laura’s direction.
    ‘He chopped his hand when he was chopping chips in his café last night,’ Tina explained, gathering her coat and handbag from the floor. ‘But it’s all right. My cousin fished his finger out of the fat fryer.’
    ‘You’ll have to excuse Tina, Mrs Moore,’ Laura apologised, as she kicked her sister’s shin. ‘She has a peculiar sense of humour.’
    ‘Have you brought him a box of chocolates as well, Tina?’ Trevor replaced Alma’s chart on the rail at the foot of her bed.
    ‘Of course,’ Tina retorted. ‘See you later, Alma.’
    ‘I’ll be back before visiting ends to fetch you, Mrs Moore,’ Laura called over her shoulder as they walked away.
    ‘Thank you,’ Mrs Moore answered as she heard their footsteps echo down the ward. ‘Mrs Lewis is a lovely person, and so kind,’ she enthused as she turned back to Alma. ‘And you really are better, aren’t you? I can hear it in your voice.’
    ‘I can get out of bed whenever I feel like now.’
    ‘Don’t forget to take it slowly,’ her mother cautioned. ‘Doctor Lewis told me how ill you’d been. He said that even when you come home you are