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Sophie

How is this possible? No one’s number has ever changed before! But Walter’s has risen on its own without me attempting to alter his fate. Goosebumps spring up on my arms and the back of my neck tingles. I shiver with excitement.

‘Walter!’

My voice is hoarse, and he doesn’t hear.

I clear my throat and shout louder, waving.

He takes off his hat and bows. His family and Adam turn to look.

I mouth a ‘hello’, hoping I don’t look like a total lunatic as I frantically beckon him over.

I need to grill him, alone. Walter’s son and daughter-in-law continue talking but Adam’s gaze is unwavering.

‘How are you enjoying my party?’ he asks when he reaches me.

‘It’s the best one ever!’

I throw my arms around his thin, bony shoulders, hugging him closely.

‘Whooaa!’

I steady him as he almost loses his balance. ‘Sorry! I’m just so happy to see you.’

‘Adam must be thinking the same.’ Walter jerks his head in his direction. ‘He can’t stop talking about you. I knew my party was a good idea. This looks extremely promising!’

‘It certainly does. What’s been happening since I last saw you? Have you been back to the hospital? Or has your GP put you on new meds?’

‘Oh no. I’m done with all that. Harry and his family arrived yesterday and they’re staying for three weeks. I’m not wasting my final days on more medical appointments. I intend to die in my chair at home, surrounded by loved ones and Chico. But before that, we have a lot to pack in.’

I catch hold of his arm. ‘Your son and daughter-in-law will need to stay longer than planned.’

He frowns. ‘How do you mean? I’ve made arrangements for my funeral, so they don’t need to bother with that. I’m treating this as a dry run but without all the dreary, weepy speeches. Thankfully, I’ll be in a coffin and won’t hear them.’

‘No, I’m talking about your number.’

He rests both hands on the walking stick, the lines on his forehead deepening. ‘Oh dear. Has it dropped further?’

‘No! It’s the opposite. It’s gone up by 13 days. I can’t explain why. It’s never happened before.’

‘You’re sure?’

I nod. ‘The number I can see today is 21. You have until the eighteenth of April – Good Friday.’

‘This is fabulous news,’ he says, beaming. ‘Extra Easter eggs for me and the grandkids!’

‘Exactly.’ I smile back. ‘I need to work out what you’ve done to make it change. It could help Adam.’

‘Nothing special! I’ve stuck to my usual routines – walking Chico, having a pub lunch and enjoying the views from the suspension bridge.

’ He rubs his jaw thoughtfully. ‘But Harry and his family have been on my mind. I desperately hoped they’d make it today.

Now they’re here. I’m looking forward to spending all my time with them. ’

‘They must have changed something inside your body. You must be fighting the cancer!’

He guffaws. ‘I’m too tired and old to fight anything, my dear. I’m simply content. I have everything I need here in this room – my family and friends.’

I stare at Adam, and then Wren, my heart pounding with elation.

Somehow, Walter’s life has been lengthened due to the joy of being reunited with his family. His love for them has boosted his mortality.

It’s not by much, but it’s enough to give me a tiny sliver of hope.

I must convince Adam to go back to south Devon over Easter and spend quality time with his mum and Wren.

Because if I do, there’s a slim chance I might be able to extend his countdown.