Bernie hadn't noticed the panic behind her until Cam clamped a hand on her shoulder.
'Mum! Where did you get to?'
Bernie gave him a beseeching look.
'I called her.'
He huffed in annoyance and spun away.
'I had to! I need to speak to her.'
'What did you talk about?' enquired Jason.
'She's coming here.'
'To Kings Cross?'
It was a tense half an hour spent in the company of her ex-girlfriend's children, alleviated by stories of Guinevere, Jason and Greta's toddler.
'I can't believe she's so grown up' marvelled Bernie, scanning each picture with delight. She'd desperately wanted to be in the child's life but felt like she'd be imposing. Cam remembered that she'd been like that with him and Charlie when they were that age. She was one of the most wonderful people he'd ever set eyes on and he'd been in love with her before anyone else. He couldn't remember when things had changed and turned sour.
Bernie knew before anyone when the moment was approaching. She could sense Serena walking towards them; her footsteps reverberating an underlying bass, leaving shadows on the floor. She looked up and saw the red coat. Little Red Riding Hood to her Big Bad Wolf. Hair a little longer than she'd last seen, in wisps past her ears, still that silvery grey. Eyes still bright and shining, inquisitive like a robin.
She stood there smiling sadly, not sure how to approach. But Bernie strode past everyone to envelope her in a hug so tight she'd barely believed she was capable of it.
'I missed you' she heard her whisper. Bernie could hear the relief and regret in that voice. She could do nothing but keep her in her grip, fearing she'd melt away if she let go.