I was feeling very tired that morning. I went upstairs at about 7 a.m. and helped myself to some cereal and orange juice. No one was about. I went back down and got into bed, only awakening when Lin shook me.
“Mary, are you all right?”
“Yes, sorry, I was so tired. What time is it?”
“It’s ten-thirty.”
Shocked, I sat up and swung my legs out of bed.
“No, no, Mary. No work for today. I brought you some tea. Just rest as much as you like.”
I repositioned myself and sat back gratefully. “I don’t know why I’m so tired. Thank you for the tea. It’s delicious.”
“It’s a special one Dora makes whenever the children are under the weather. If you are feeling better tomorrow, we can get back to the stories.”
I read and watched TV all day and ate fairly well. Hunter came down for a cuddle. He asked a lot of questions about how exactly I was feeling, clearly concerned. Selfishly, I luxuriated in his concern.
The next morning I announced at breakfast that I was feeling much better so Lin would know to come down. She came bearing coffee for her and that delicious tea for me.
I sat down, took a sip, and switched on the tape.