Page 62

In the foyer, Connor held the two little girls’ hands as Jeremy walked across the car park to get their Land Cruiser. Emma leaned forward and talked to Dru quietly. ‘How are you feeling now, little sis?’

‘A bit stupid,’ Dru said.

‘It’s all good. Connor’s well, and you’re going home.’

Dru smiled. ‘And Ruby’s ecstatic. As much as she loves Aunty Em’s house, she’s excited about coming home.’

‘And things going back to normal.’

‘Yes. As soon as we get home, I’ll call Ellie too. I know she was worried when they left on their trip. I hope she hasn’t spent too much time worrying. I’m so glad I didn’t share my fears with Mum.’

‘Mum and Graysen will be home next week.’

‘Wow, that went fast.’

Emma nodded. ‘I think you’ve been preoccupied. Now, do you need any shopping done, Dru?’

‘I have no idea. I didn’t think when I left to go and see Connor the morning I ended up in the hospital, so we probably do.’

‘Okay, well, once we get you back to the apartment, I’ll have a look and do some shopping for you and bring us all some dinner home.’ She smiled at Dru. ‘Unless you and Connor would rather be alone?’

‘We have the rest of our lives for that. I’d love you all to stay. We can have a celebration.’

Ruby looked up at her. ‘Can we have balloons, Mummy?’

‘We sure can, sweetie. I’ll add them to Aunty Emma’s shopping list.’

Chapter 28

McLaren Mango Farm - Friday

Cy

Jerry had started at the farm yesterday, and Cy had left him alone to dig the trenches. His instruction had been very specific; he was picking up quickly that Jerry needed to know exactly what to do. There didn’t seem to be much common sense there.

Cy was patient, showing him exactly where to dig and what to watch out for. Yesterday afternoon he’d checked on his work at the end of the day and was pleasantly surprised that his instructions had been followed perfectly.

‘Jerry’s done a good job down there,’ Cy told Tarni when he came into the shed after paying him on Thursday afternoon. ‘He’ll be back tomorrow. He even washed the tools down afterwards.’

‘That’s good. It’ll save you some time.’

Cy pulled up the other stool and sat beside Tarni as she worked. ‘How are you going?’ He didn’t like to say she looked pale and tired.

‘I’m okay.’

‘Really?’ he asked. ‘Only okay?’

Tarni put the thermometer on the bench and lifted her hand. ‘My hand’s not sore anymore, and it’s stopped pulling. I can use my hand just fine.’ She shook her head. ‘I’m just tired all the time. Exhausted actually. ‘I’ve taken too many taking Panadeine, I think. I can’t shake this headache. The tablets don’t ease it much.’

‘You sleeping okay?”

‘I am, but I find it hard to wake up in the morning. Maybe I picked up a bug in the hospital. I’m thirsty and drinking heaps of water too.’

She was constantly thirsty and emptied the water purifier after a couple of days. It needed filling this afternoon, and she’d put some water in the fridge to cool down before she filled it.

‘Maybe you need to go back to the hospital.’

‘I’ll get over it. Let whatever it is run its course. Anyway, I’m finished here for the day. I was going to go up and have an early tea. Do you want to eat with me?’