Page 24

Eventually, Summer’s name flashed up on the screen, and Evelyn hustled her down the corridor and through the open door.

‘I’m really sorry to have kept you waiting.’ Tom Macpearson apologised while pulling out the test vials, needle and tourniquet strap that made up the phlebotomy kit. ‘Our usual nurse left us last week, and our locum has let us down. So us doctors are picking up that work too.’ He rolled up Summer’s sleeve and slid the strap into place, pulling it tight.

‘Ouch.’

‘Sorry.’ He tapped her arm a couple of times, trying to get the veins into a good position. After a few more taps, he frowned. ‘Are your veins usually this tricky?’

‘Don’t know.’ Summer shrugged.

‘It sometimes takes a couple of attempts,’ Evelyn added. ‘It’s a sequelae of the chemotherapy, but her consultant is optimistic that she’ll grow out of it.’

‘OK. I think I’ve got one. Little prick.’

‘Ow! Ow! Ow!’ Summer sniffed and glared accusingly at the doctor.

‘Sorry. Let me try again.’

‘OW!’

‘I’m sorry, I’m struggling to find a good vein.’

‘It’s all right, Summer.’ Evelyn pulled her daughter’s head against her shoulder and fought the urge to shove Dr Tom away from her. ‘It’ll be over in a few moments.’

‘Can’t you do it? Please Mummy?’ She pulled her arm away from the doctor.

‘No sweetheart, I’m sorry but I don’t have privileges here.’

‘Please?’ As usual, Summer’s tears broke her heart, and she looked helplessly at Tom.

‘You’re a phlebotomist?’ Tom raised an eyebrow in question.

‘Community nurse. Band 7.’

‘And your registration is still current?’

‘Yes.’

While Summer’s face was still tucked against her shoulder, Tom slid the tray half an inch towards her, silently offering her the opportunity to take the needle, or say no and let him continue. She gave him a grateful smile. As much as she loathed plunging needles into her daughter’s perfect skin, she didn’t want to see Summer stressed out any more.

So she pulled away from Summer to look at her. ‘Left arm please.’ She switched the strap over and tapped the spot that she knew often worked first time. ‘What’s your favourite treat?’ She cleaned the spot with an antiseptic wipe.

‘Brockle cake.’

‘Nah. Too easy.’ Evelyn shook her head. ‘Pick another.’

‘I like Nanny’s caramel banana cake.’

‘Spell it please.’ She picked up a fresh needle and slid the guard off.

‘C. A. R. E. M. A. Ow!’ She yelped as Evelyn slid the needle in.

‘Sorry sweetheart. You were at A.’

‘A. L. Space. B. A. N. N. A. N. A. Space. Cake.’ By the time she had finished, Evelyn had filled each of the three, small canisters.

‘And what topping?’

‘Ice cream!’ Summer grinned. ‘I. C. E.’ Evelyn slid the needle carefully out, holding a little wad of cotton wool over the entry hole to stop any bleeding. ‘C. R. E. A. M.’