Chapter 15

"Here love, drink this" said Alf, handing Martha a cup of coffee as she sat on the couch. She took it off him. "Thanks" she smiled. He sat down besides her. "You're bound to feel off love, you've been through the mill, and with Jack being in hospital as well it's bound to make you worse. But you need to relax and stay positive" Martha carried on staring into space, the cup of coffee resting between her hands. Alf looked at her. He was worried about her. Without saying a word, Martha stood up off the sofa and walked into her bedroom, shutting the door behind her.

"Dad! What's going on?" said Lucas, as he entered Jack's hospital room that day. The sight of three doctors stood in there didn't look good. Tony walked towards his soon. "The doctors think Jack's got an infection son" said Tony. Lucas looked at him, confused. "But, Infections can be cured right, with antibiotics and things." His face was starting to quiver and he could feel tears clouding his eyes, misting the view of his Father. Tony shrugged his shoulders and placed his head in his hands. "There's a chance he might have to go back to theatre" he informed his youngest son. Lucas backed away from Tony and walked out of the room, his steps gradually becoming more rapid. Tony tried to call after him, but he paid no attention. He decided against going after him. Jack needed him more right now.

"Excuse me. No running down here please!" called a Nurse as Lucas accidentally bumped into her on his way out of Jack's room. He turned and looked at her. His eyes were puffy. The Nurse stopped. "Are you alright?" she asked, almost sympathetically. Lucas nodded. "Yes, I'm fine" he said, trying to sound as casual as possible. She placed her hands on his shoulders. "Why don't you come to the staff room with me? I'll make you a drink" she said. Lucas smiled gratefully and followed her.

Meanwhile Martha lay on her bed. She looked, sadly, at the picture on her bedside table. Her Jack. She smiled sadly. "Please be alright Jack. Please" she said as she kissed the photo.

"OK, let's get him to theatre" said one of the nurses from Jack's room. She turned to look at Tony. "Will you be coming with us?" she asked. Tony nodded. "Yes. I need to contact Martha" he said. The nurse nodded "We'll do it. Let's go" Tony took a deep breath and walked besides the bed his son was lay on. His life resting in the hands of strangers...