Short one as I need to go to bed ridiculously early due to overwork and getting up at some ungodly hour!


"Are you his wife?" asked the nurse.

Ruth opened her mouth, unsure of the answer she was about to give.

"Yes, she is," said Harry unfalteringly.

"Yes, I am," said Ruth.

"Good. Come this way," the nurse indicated her to follow.

"Ruth!" Harry's hand sought her out as he felt her warmth begin to disappear from him.

"Don't worry, Mr Pearce, she won't be far away."

Alone was how Harry looked. Frightened and alone.

It was not a look Ruth had often seen, it was not a look that suited him.

She turned away from the nurse, her hand grasping his and leant over him, her lips brushing his cheek.

"I'll be here, Harry, don't doubt that, I'll be here."

"Do you mind what I said…about us?" he whispered.

"No…..I.."

"Please, Mrs Pearce, we have to let your husband go for his tests," the nurse insisted, "he's in good hands."

Harry squeezed Ruth's hand, knowing that hers were the only 'good hands' he wished to be in.

"See you later….I hope," he whispered.

And she watched him being wheeled away. And felt her heart was being wheeled with him.