Free Three-And-A-Half Heartbeats by Amanda Prowse Page A

head flopped onto her mum’s shoulder.
    ‘D’you think she might have got your bug?’ Tom wondered as he yawned and stretched his back, his hands above his head.
    ‘Oh God, Tom, I think you’re right! I’ll give her some more Calpol and get her changed. She’s all sweaty. Clean PJs and a freshen-up will make her feel better.’
    Grace carried their daughter through to their bedroom and laid her in the middle of the bed. Chloe was uncharacteristically quiet. Grace removed her nappy, which was still dry at the front, but with evidence of an upset tum.
    ‘I need to get you drinking, little Chlo. How about a bot-bot? We haven’t done that for a while. Would you like a bottle?’ Grace knew if she could make it into a game, Chloe was more likely to participate.
    Chloe opened her eyes briefly and seemed to look past her mum, as though still asleep, her gaze and focus a little off.
    Grace changed her into a clean, fresh nightdress and ran a cool, damp sponge over her face and hands. Chloe cried quietly, her face crumpled.
    ‘Oh, darling! Don’t cry!’
    ‘I’m a bit worried about her.’ Tom leant on the bed and looked at his little girl. ‘She doesn’t look right.’
    ‘Me too. What should we do? Shall I give the ward a ring?’ Grace chewed her lip, not wanting to make a fuss, especially at this early hour, but wanting her mind put at rest nonetheless.
    ‘Yeah, I think so. They did say to give them a shout, didn’t they?’ Tom shared her hesitancy. ‘I’ll lie here with her while you call them.’
    Grace trod the stairs in search of her handbag. It wasn’t seven o’clock yet; she hoped she’d catch them before they got too busy.
    The call was answered almost immediately and Grace explained the situation.
    ‘So you think she might have your bug?’ the nurse asked.
    ‘I think so, yes. I’ve been feeling groggy, bit of a temperature, just… you know, off colour.’ She didn’t know how to explain it.
    ‘And Chloe is displaying the same symptoms?’
    ‘Yes. She’s just woken up and isn’t really with it, if you know what I mean.’ Grace gave a small laugh to cover her awkwardness.
    ‘Has she been sick?’
    ‘No.’ Grace shook her head.
    ‘Does she have any bleeding from her surgery?’
    ‘No. Not as far as I can see.’
    ‘And she’s sleeping okay?’
    ‘Yes. Yes, as I say, quite drowsy. A bit, you know, out of sorts.’ Grace slapped her thigh, wishing she could find the words.
    ‘It sounds like she might have your bug. And remember, coming into hospital can unsettle them and an anaesthetic is never nice. I expect it’s probably just a combination of that. I would guard against bringing her into the ward if you think she does have a bug, but it’s your call really. If you are worried, then of course bring her in and we’ll get her checked over.’
    ‘I think she just wants to sleep,’ Grace concluded.
    ‘It’s the best thing for her if she’s feeling poorly.’ The nurse spoke kindly; it was reassuring.
    ‘That’s what Mr Portland said,’ Grace recalled.
    ‘If her temperature gives you cause for concern or there are any other major changes, then call back or, as I say, just bring her in.’
    ‘Okay, thank you. Hope I haven’t wasted your time.’
    ‘Not at all.’ The nurse sounded sympathetic. ‘Hope you both feel better soon!’
    Grace relayed the news to Tom that they were best to let her sleep, then she covered them both with the duvet and made her way downstairs to the sofa. She hated feeling under par and hoped that an hour or two of shuteye would do the trick. She’d text Jayney after eight to say she was going to be a little late in.
    When she woke, still in a dreamy stupor, it took a second for Grace to remember where she was and why she was on the sofa. She smiled at the sound of movement overhead. Tom was as good as his word, up every few hours with his unreliable bladder and checking on Chloe while he was at it.
    They say life turns on a penny.
    They say that