Hi people! A longer chapter today, guaranteed 100% fluff and 0% angst! Enjoy ;)

March 2021

Two weeks had passed, and John kept getting better, if frustratingly slowly in his opinion. Four days ago, he had been transferred back to cardiology under the care of Dr Clarkson. Anna had decided not to attend her father's funeral. She had not heard from her mother since informing her of her choice. On that early March morning, she was to be found at John's side in his room in the cardiology ward, as she had just left her night shift in the ICU. The number of acute Covid beds was slowly decreasing around the hospital, as more and more people were getting vaccinated, and it gave the staff a little ray of hope to look forward to.

- I read yesterday that schools will be reopening next week, said John, who was eating his breakfast. Is Timmy happy to go back?

- He is very excited. Those two months have been so long for him. Even if he likes Mary and Matthew and especially George, his life has been rather too unstable for a five year-old lately…

- Is your nanny coming back?

- Yes, she's already returned to York, I spoke to her a few days ago. She's resuming her usual work next Monday, when the school reopens.

- Alright. So, kind of a return to some normalcy for Timmy. God I miss him.

- That's so sweet of you, smiled Anna.

A large portion of the wall opposite John's bed was covered in drawings and paintings the boy had made for him.

- He misses you too, you know. Now that he hasn't got his cast any more, he's so eager to start again with the guitar lessons…

- I'm looking forward to it too. He was very dedicated.

John sighed.

- I don't know when I'll see him again. When will they let me out of here?

- We'll have to discuss it with Dr Clarkson. Soon enough I think. You're almost rid of oxygen…

For the last forty-eight hours, John had been able to spend a part of the day without any oxygen. Yet he still needed a bit when he was doing any physical exercise.

Moments later, Dr Clarkson entered the room for his morning check. When he had taken a look at his patient's chart and examined him, he started:

- Well, Mr Bates, Anna, I think our job is almost done here. In two to three days, I assume you won't be needing oxygen at all. However, the exercise tests we did yesterday show us that you're still far from your previous shape. This is why I would recommend a stay in a rehab centre. A three-weeks course of heart and lung rehabilitation would do you good, and help you get back to your former state faster.

- Wow, said John thoughtfully. Three more weeks far from home?

He looked hesitantly to Anna.

- Do you think it's really necessary? I could see a physio as an outpatient, like Mary did?

Anna frowned:

- I think Dr Clarkson's suggestion is pertinent John. Those centres are really good. Were you thinking of applying in Scarborough, Richard?

- That's exactly what I would suggest. The rehab centre in Scarborough is top-notch. The myocarditis had left your heart a bit weaker than we'd like, and your lungs are still fragile too. An outpatient physio would only be able to do so much. You would likely see him about an hour two or three times a week at best. The rehab centre will offer you four hours of sessions every day. It would be much more efficient.

- Alright. If you think that's what's best… said John, rather lacking enthusiasm.

- I'll send them the application file today, so that you could be transferred there at the beginning of next week if they have a place for you.

- Thank you Dr Clarkson, replied John.

- You're welcome. Have a good day, you two.

- Good day Richard, said Anna, as Dr Clarkson made his way out.

John looked rather downcast at the news that he would have to wait another three weeks to be back home with Anna and Timmy. Anna felt his sadness and rubbed his arm.

- I don't like it any more than you do, love, but really, rehab after an ICU stay is very very important. I want to have you back as good as before. I need you at full steam, she teased, a naughty smirk on her face.

- Oh, really, do you, Ms Smith? What for, exactly? he asked, arching his brows.

- I think you know very well. I'm getting so frustrated lately, I'm thinking of ordering some adult toys.

- I thought I was doing my job well in your dreams?

- That one time was nice enough, I must admit. But I can't order my dreams at will, that's kind of a problem. That's why I need you back in full shape. I don't want you to have to stop in the middle of lovemaking because you're too out of breath to finish.

- God forbid… he laughed. I'm missing you too, you know, he added, looking intently into her eyes. In fact, I'd gladly take you right now on this bed if I was able to…

It so happened that the assistant nurse entered the room to collect the breakfast tray just as he was saying that last sentence, and both of them stayed frozen, flushing crimson up to the roots of their hair, trying their best not to burst out laughing, as the assistant nurse pretended not to have heard. But her smug grin told them otherwise. When she had closed the door on her way out, Anna breathed out:

- Well, that was not embarrassing at all. It's not as if I was rather well-known around that hospital.

- Hey, you started on the subject, may I remind you. I decline any responsibility.

- Yeah right, she laughed, punching him on the arm. Well, she shrugged, I guess in the next twelve hours my reputation will be done.

- Do you want me to silence that assistant nurse?

- And how would you do that?

- Oh there are ways. Pay her into silence. Find something embarrassing on her and blackmail her to reveal her secret.

Anna grinned.

- You're daft, Mr Bates. You've read too much novels. Anyway, she must have already told the story to a dozen people by now. Gossip travel fast on Radio Hallway. I guess I'll just have to bear the shame.

x x x x

Anna had managed to exchange a shift with her fellow doctor Eduardo, so that she could be there to bring Timmy to school on his first day back. Children and teachers were quite excited to be back together, but the reunion was somewhat bittersweet for a number of pupils and teachers, who had lost some relatives. Still the mood was rather merry at the school gates that morning. After Anna had seen Timmy safely into the care of his teacher, she walked back home. John had been transferred to Scarborough's rehab centre two days before. She was glad that he was getting better, but her heart was heavy with no more being able to visit him everyday. However, he had made her promise to come visit with Timmy the following Sunday, which happened to be Mother's day. He had convinced her to drive his car to Scarborough, which made Anna very anxious because she had not driven for several years. "You're able to resuscitate a dead person, don't tell me you're afraid to drive a car", he had teased. So she had accepted. She was thinking of that next Sunday with a deep longing as she came back to her apartment building, and mechanically checked her mail box before going up. She walked down the hallway to her apartment's door, absent-mindedly going through the small stack of letters. They were mostly bills or ads, but she was surprised to find one hand-written envelop among them. It was quite a rare occurrence these days to get a handwritten letter.

When she had come inside and put down her shoes and purse, she went back to the letter. The hand looked familiar to her, but she struggled to put a name on the writer. There was no return address on the back. She tore the envelop open and understood right away. It was her mother. She sat down at the kitchen table and read.

My dear Anna,

First of all, I want you to know that I have always loved you and that I care about you. I've missed you a lot these last years. I'm aware that you will doubt those words to be true, but I assure you that they are. I understand why you haven't been willing to come to your father's funeral, and I don't hold any grudge against you for that.

I have been a lousy mother, that is the sad truth. You were right, saying that I have not done my job protecting you and Katie. I've missed Katie every single day since the day she left our house. The truth is, I was completely under your father's influence, and I was too weak to stand up to him. I was living in fear. I realize that this is no excuse for not opposing him when he bullied and mistreated you both. I don't know that I will ever forgive myself for that, or that you will either.

Now that he is gone, I am trying to get my own life back. It is not easy. In the near future, I'm hoping to make up for a number of things that aren't right. I would be glad if you would meet with me. I'd very much like to get to know you again, know the person you have become. If you'll let me, I'd like to meet my grandson too, one day. I am so sorry to have missed the first six years of his life. Of course, this would happen on your own time and terms, and I would understand if you don't allow me. I remember when we talked on the phone, you mentioned your partner being sick. I dearly hope he's better, and I'd like to get to know him too, if you'd so wish. I hope he treats you well, and you are happy with him. But I'm not worried about that, because I know you wouldn't allow a man to mistreat you. In that, you are so much stronger than I ever was.

So. The decision is yours to make now. Call me or write back to me if you want. If you don't, I'll not bother you again. But I'll still love you, always.

Mum

Anna quickly wiped the small watery blotch that had formed near her mother's signature as a tear had just fallen from her face. "Wow", she whispered to herself. "That was unexpected." She inhaled and exhaled deeply a few times, trying to slow her racing heart. She would never get to make things right with her father, but maybe it wasn't too late to do so with her mother. She wanted to discuss it with John right now, but she knew he was in his physio session from 9 to 11 every morning, so she couldn't talk to him at the moment. She took a photo of the letter with her smartphone, and forwarded the picture to him through Whatsapp, asking him to call her back when he could. Then she focused her mind and energy in cleaning her apartment.

x x x x

At the end of another long and gruelling week in the ICU, Anna drove with Timmy to Scarborough to visit John. If she was excited to see him, it was nothing compared to Timmy, who had not seen him for more than a month now. He had woken up that morning at six, jumping up and down his mother's bed to make her get up. But then he had remembered that it was Mother's day too, so he had sobered up and brought her a glass of orange juice in bed. He had shyly presented her with the little gift they had crafted in school. She had admired it with the eyes of love and thanked him warmly. They had spent the next few minutes in a tight cuddle.

Now, Timmy was silent at the rear of John's car (Mary had lent her a child's car-seat for the ride), and Anna was driving and thinking over her mother's letter. She had not yet answered, though she had discussed it over and over with John, Elsie and even with Mary. She had made up her mind to meet with her mother alone before judging if she wanted to go further and introduce Timmy and John to her.

- Are we almost there yet, Mum? asked Timmy.

- We're getting close sweetie. About fifteen minutes.

- Alright… sighed the boy.

He had already asked the same question about five times since they had left York. It warmed Anna's heart to see how attached he was to John. The feeling seemed to be reciprocal, and it kept comforting her that she had made the right decision letting John settle into both their hearts and lives.

When they parked in front of Scarborough rehab centre, John was already waiting for them near the building's entrance, holding his guitar. The rules for visits were still tight. Children were not allowed inside, and visitors, as well as patients and staff had to wear a mask at all time. It was forbidden to share a meal with outside visitors. So, the weather being quite good for an early March, they had decided to stay outside in the facility's large park, and to have a winter picnic. Anna had brought blankets, food and plenty of hot tea in an isotherm bottle. It would be the first time since John's departure to the hospital that they would be able to be near each other without wearing a mask. It almost felt weird being able to see each other's face completely.

- John! yelled Timmy, running to him.

The boy threw himself into John's legs, almost making him lose his balance.

- Timmy! Be careful now!

- I don't mind, laughed John, crouching to take Timmy into his arms. I'm so glad to see you Timmy, finally!

- Me too!

When he let go of the boy, John got up again, and looked to Anna.

- Hello my darling, he said, smiling shyly.

He hesitated for a second, and asked:

- Er, can we kiss now?

Anna laughed softly, a twinkle in her eye:

- You bet we can. I want to kiss you so much I could burst.

The softness of her lips on his was the most wonderful feeling, and he felt it brought him back to life more efficiently than any physio session. It had been so long since they had been that close. They lingered for a short moment into the kiss, trying to forget all the fear, worry and loneliness of the past few weeks, until Timmy brought them back to earth, shouting:

- Stop it please!

Both laughed as some guilty schoolchildren.

- Shall we go find a nice place to settle? suggested Anna.

- I know the perfect spot, said John. I've had time to walk around that park several times already… Days are a bit long here, when I've done my four hours work day…

- Show us then, said Anna, picking up the picnic basket in one hand, and the blankets in the other.

- Let me help you with all that, offered John.

He had put his guitar into a case that he was carrying on his back, so his hands were both free.

- No, I'm good, said Anna.

- Anna, he scolded. I'm not an infirm. I can carry two blankets. Besides, I'm sure Timmy will want to hold your hand.

Anna begrudgingly handed the blankets out to John. To settle everything, Timmy took his mother's hand on one side, and John's hand on the other, and pulled them forward. They exchanged a happy smile as they made to follow him.

They spent a nice and happy time, eating their picnic, chatting, exchanging their latest anecdotes about the hospital or life in rehab centre. Anna had brought a football, and they spent a while playing on the lawn with Timmy. After one week of rehabilitation, John had to admit that the program was indeed very efficient. He felt so much better, even if he was not yet in sufficiently good shape to run after the ball for a long time. But he was feeling more and more like himself by the day, and it made both him and Anna happy. When they went back to sit on the blanket, John exchanged a knowing wink with Timmy, and said:

- Shall we now?

The boy nodded enthusiastically.

- Shall we what? asked Anna, puzzled.

- We have a present for you Mum! exclaimed Timmy.

- Really? she replied, dumbfounded.

- Well, they do say it is Mother's day, is it not? said John.

- Hum, yes, but Timmy already gave me my present this morning, around six o'clock if I remember well…, she laughed.

- Ah, yes, but he and I have prepared another present for you.

- You have?

- Yes! yelled Timmy, who was almost shaking with hardly contained excitement.

John turned to pick up his guitar case and took the guitar out. He settled the instrument on his lap, and looked to Timmy:

- Are you ready lad?

- Ready!

- Alright, let's go then.

John started playing a melody on the guitar, and they sang together:

"I've been dreaming of friendly faces
I've got so much time to kill
Just imagine people laughing
I know some day we will
And even if it's far away
Get me through another day

Cover me in sunshine
Shower me with good times
Tell me that the world's been spinning since the beginning
And everything will be alright
Cover me in sunshine

From a distance all these mountains
Are just some tiny hills
Wildflowers, they keep living
While they're just standing still
I've been missing yesterday
But what if there's a better place?

Cover me in sunshine
Shower me with good times
Tell me that the world's been spinning since the beginning
And everything will be alright"

John let Timmy sing on his own the last chorus, and the boy sang it without failing.

"Cover me in sunshine
Shower me with good times
Tell me that the world's been spinning since the beginning
And everything will be alright
Cover me in sunshine"

Anna was looking at them, speechless, with so much love in her eyes that she thought her heart would just burst from it. Happy tears were running freely down her cheeks. They both stared back proudly at her, and she finally sniffed and wiped her eyes, laughing.

- Come here you two! she breathed as she pulled them both into a hug, holding one boy with each arm.

Their cheeks were resting against hers on each side of her face, and she wept with happiness for a while. When she found her words again, she let go of them, and praised:

- That was just wonderful! Bravo Timmy, you sang so well! But when and how on earth did you prepare this?

She looked to John in awe. How had he managed to teach her son a song, from the hospital or the rehab centre?

- Well, we did a few online learning sessions, with the complicity of Esther and Mary.

- And I practised with Esther too! added Timmy, who was close to bursting with pride.

- Thank you so much my darling, beamed Anna.

She bent towards her son and left a noisy kiss on his cheek.

- Darlings, she corrected, as she bent towards John next, and kissed him too. I love you both so much, she said, her voice thick again with emotion. Would you do it once again, so that I can make a video? I would like to keep a memory of that moment.

They gladly obliged.

x x x x

Later that night, as Anna was putting Timmy to bed, amidst the usual cuddling, the boy asked shyly:

- You really did like the song Mummy?

- Oh, darling, I loved it! I think it was my best Mother's day ever!

Timmy's eyes shone with pride and happiness as he settled snugly in his bed.

- I love you Mummy, he said. To the moon and back.

- I love you too my darling. Even farther than the moon!

- And I love John too.

- I'm glad you do, she said. I love him too.

- Can he be my dad?

- Well, you would have to ask him, but I think he would love to be your dad.

When Anna walked out of her son's room a moment later, she couldn't quite shake the smile off her face. She felt they had finally found the missing piece in their life. Back in her kitchen, while she waited for the kettle to boil, she put her earphone into her ears and dialled on her phone.

- Hi mum. This is Anna.

For those who don't know the song, it's "Cover me in sunshine", by Pink and her nine-year-old daughter Willow Sage Hart.