She appeared to start a little when she saw him, her hand moving protectively to her chest. Cal couldn’t stop a smile.

‘How is she?’

‘Just the same.’

Mairi retreated back towards the kitchen. ‘Did she ask for anything?’

‘No, nothing at all,’ Cal replied reassuringly.

Mairi switched on a light just as he rubbed his hands vigorously over his face. She would know he had been sleeping.

‘She did ask for something actually,’ he added quickly, to demonstrate that he had been attentive. ‘Her Bible. She wanted me to read it to her.’

Mairi nodded. ‘Look, I’ve brought something in case you haven’t eaten. It’s just some chilli.’ She gestured towards a small casserole dish on the kitchen table.

‘Great!’ Cal hadn’t realised how hungry he was. ‘You shouldn’t have, but thanks all the same.’

He sat down and realised he had nothing to eat the food with, but Mairi was already bringing him a fork from a drawer. He smiled his thanks.

‘You know this place well.’

‘It’s like I said, Mary was a good friend.’ She corrected herself. ‘Is a good friend.’

Cal was already scooping the chilli into his mouth.

‘Don’t you want a plate?’

He looked at her, embarrassed.

‘No, this is fine. Thanks.’

Mairi stood by the oven range again.

‘Have you thought about what you’re going to do? Will you be staying here?’

‘I haven’t thought of anything except getting here,’ he said, licking his teeth.

‘It’s not a problem if you want to stay at the hotel. I’ve been here the last couple of nights.’

Cal sighed. ‘The thing is, I’m here because she asked me to come. She was awake for a short spell, but I haven’t really spoken to her. She’s sleeping now. I don’t know when she’ll waken again… and she might not, I suppose. Anyway, she asked me to be here and that’s what I’d better do. How are you fixed?’

‘I can be here. It’s not a problem.’

‘How long d’you think it’ll be?’ Cal grimaced. ‘I didn’t mean it to come out like that.’

‘She was failing fast last night and that’s why I called you. But, she seems to have rallied a bit since I told her you were coming.’

‘Do you think she might pull through?’

‘The doctor said it was a matter of time.’

Cal finished the chilli and leant back in the chair. Mairi was looking at him, waiting for him to decide.

‘I’ll certainly be here tonight. I’m sure you could do with a break.’

Mairi chewed on her lip and it was Cal’s turn to watch her. She was clearly uncertain.

‘Have you got other things to do?’ Cal’s question was a leading one. He was intrigued by this woman.

‘It’s okay.’

‘What about family?’

‘They’re old enough.’

‘What about your husband?’

‘He’s dead.’

‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry,’ Cal lied. ‘Look, I’m going to stay. I don’t want you feeling you have to.’

‘I know, I know. It’s just that Mary…’ She paused to take a breath.