Page 16 of Lost in Love

Anna pulled away and sat up.

“I just… I just can’t face it, after Mum.”

“What happened with your mother, if you don’t mind me asking?” Katherine hoped Anna would share; she was desperate to know what was haunting her so much.

“My mum had been suffering from stomach pains and nausea for a while. The doctor said it was indigestion. Then it got worse, and I came to visit and noticed she’d lost loads of weight. It was so gradual Dad hadn’t noticed. If I’d just been here more often, not so bloody busy with my job, I might have realised what it was.”

Katherine’s hand shot out to Anna’s. “Stomach cancer.”

Anna nodded. “By the time they worked it out, which they only did after a lot of shouting from me, it was too late. She spent the last few weeks of her life in a care home. It was a hell hole. I’m not doing that to Dad.”

“The time will come when you can’t cope anymore. You must see that.” Katherine braced herself. She knew any questioning of Anna’s ability to cope with her caring responsibilities would likely trigger her; it was a common occurrence.

“Of course I see that,” Anna said, raising her voice. She stopped and took a deep breath before she carried on more calmly. “I try not to think about it. I’m not a rich doctor who can summon up the best care in the world without a second thought. I don’t expect you to understand my predicament, we are very different people from different walks of life, but please don’t tell me what I will or won’t be able to do.”

Katherine knew she’d overstepped the mark, and she hadn’t intended on adding to Anna’s distress, but she was glad that Anna seemed aware at least of what the future looked like.

“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to question your abilities. I’m concerned that you shouldn’t have to keep trying to cope. It’s not a life, and I’m sure it’s not a life your father would want you to have.”

“I know.” Anna tried to wipe her tears with her hand.

“Here, I have tissues.”

“Thanks.”

Anna wiped her eyes and blew her nose. A mewing sound followed.

They looked at each other.

Anna laughed weakly. “That wasn’t me.”

“Nor me.” Katherine smirked.

Virginia pushed her way between them from behind, having jumped up into the windowsill from outside the chapel.

She walked straight to Anna’s lap and sat down.

“Hello again,” Anna said, stroking the cat.

“Again?” Katherine asked.

“Yes, sometimes she comes on my tours. Only the afternoon ones, though. I’ve noticed she’s never around in the mornings.”

“That’s because she’s tucked up on my bed and doesn’t get up until lunchtime.” Katherine narrowed her eyes. “You traitor.”

Virginia miaowed back.

“Oh, is she your cat?” Anna asked.

“She is; this is Virginia.”

Virginia mewed on hearing her name.

Katherine stroked her, and she purred at her touch. “I’m sorry if she’s any bother.”

“She’s no bother, are you?” Anna said in a silly voice as she stroked Virginia under her chin. “I love cats, but my ex-girlfriend was allergic.”

“Oh.” Katherine gasped, looking up at her. “Oh, that’s a shame,” she added quickly. She bit her lip. Anna’s declaration had completely taken her by surprise. Her mind raced, but at the back of her head, a voice screamed,Deal with it later.