Chapter 4:

Sophie's grandmere came rushing in to the room,

"Sophie, darling give me a hug" she wrapped her arms around Sophie and started to whisper softly in French. Sophie accepted the hug and sniffed in the strong scent of perfume wafting from her grandmere – it was too much, she started to cry.

"Sophie calm down, it will be alright, Robert and I will give you lots of support."

"B-b-but Grandmere, I might never be able to walk again!" wept Sophie, silent tears trickling down her flushed face. Watching Sophie's tears journey down her face was making her Grandmere overwhelmed; she too, started to cry- quiet sobs and tears exploding down her tanned and very wrinkled face. Sophie and her Grandmere clutched each other tight.

'W-w-where's Robert?" stammered Sophie.

"He's gone to get a coffee- he's in a bit of shock"

"Grandmere, it was all going so well………." Sophie trailed off…

"Shh...Calm down Sophie; you need time for the news to sink in; we'll get you through this."

The doctor re-entered the room, accompanied by a shaken Robert.

"Here are the results of the scan" announced the doctor. Sophie chewed on her manicured nails- a habit she had as a young girl; living with a man- he never really cared! Marie held Sophie in her plump arms and Robert clenched his fists tightly.

"Sophie- I have some good news and some bad news for you; what would you like first?" asked the doctor.

"Umm...the good news please" answered a trembling accented voice.

"Well, the good news is we have lots of support for you here at the hospital, and the bad news is that this will depend on the outcome of the surgery that we will be performing on you where there will be a 50 chance of your legs working again- and a 50 chance of your legs being paralyzed for life. During the surgery- which lasts 9 hours, and is quite a traumatic experience, you will have on an oxygen mask. People have died during this procedure before, however this is only a small fraction- and we are extremely doubtful death will occur during your operation."

As the doctor stopped to take a breath Robert wearily walked over to Sophie and put a comforting arm around her neck. Marie looked troubled and asked

"When will this surgery be?"

"The procedure- if all goes to plan will take place on 21st July- in 3 days. Apologies it is so quick but Sophie's leg needs urgent assistance" replied the doctor. "Sophie will stay at the hospital until the operation and for a while after, so she will need some basic clothes, pyjamas, slippers- whatever she will need for her stay; my name is Doctor Jérôme and I will be Sophie's permanent doctor for her stay".

" Sophie, I will drive home and bring you your clothes- Robert will stay with you, I'm sure." Marie said.

"Of course I will" answered Robert, taking Sophie in his arms, gently kissing her head.

"See you soon Grandmere" came a quiet, French voice.