EVERLASTING

It was a chance discovery in the garden, but Heidi recognised its true significance

- Cilla Moss

While her mum and Aunt Gretchen chatted in low voices about the doctor’s recent visit, Heidi sat delicately holding her grandmother’s hand. She was painting Nan’s nails Cosmic Silver.

‘I like it,’ Nan said. ‘It matches my hair.’

She tried to lean forward in her chair, but didn’t have the strength.

Heidi lifted her head and grinned. ‘I knew you would. Mum made me bring Peach Mist as well, just in case, but I knew you’d rather have silver.’

Nan smiled at her. It was a vague sort of smile, as if she didn’t quite follow what Heidi was saying, but she appreciated the kind intent. ‘She wasn’t sure where she was when she woke up yesterday,’ Aunt Gretchen was telling Heidi’s mum, Mary. ‘She seems better now, but she’s easily confused.’

Heidi’s ears flapped, but she pretended she wasn’t listening. She always did when her mum was getting an update from Aunt Gretchen, which happened every time Heidi and Mary drove down to visit.

They used to come every other weekend. Recently, Mary had been coming more often. Heidi was only 13, but she understood what that meant. She’d noticed the change in her grandmother as much as anyone else.

‘It’s a lovely day, Mum,’ Mary said. ‘How about we sit outside for a while?’

‘I don’t think so, love. You go.’ She perked up suddenly. ‘Pick me a rose from the bush your father planted.’

‘Which bush?’

‘Look – there it is.’ Nan pointed out of the window with one silver-tipped finger. ‘He planted it near the bird feeder so I could see it while I sat here sewing.’

Mary moved her mouth in a way that was almost a smile, but not really.