"Oh, my darling Bertram." came Mama's voice from the bed. The space from the door to her bed seemed insurmountable. I hadn't seen her in two days, since the doctor deemed it acceptable for us to visit her.
I slowly approached and crawled up next to her on the bed. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes stood out far too brightly. Her beautiful chestnut hair has fanned out on the pillow around her head like a halo.
Our butler, Milton, was standing invisible in the corner. He hadn't left her side since the doctor came.
"Milton, there are surely aspects of the house that require your attention. Bertie can stay with me until you return." she dismissed him.
I gave her a tentative kiss on the cheek and laid down next to her, my head pushed tightly into her chest.