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After cake, and the bombshell news, Pam moved us onto other matters with the new patient software when Harry strode into the room, setting his medical bag down on the table with a bang. He looked drained.
“Stacey, I need to talk with you.”
The team instantly brightened, bursting into applause.
“Well done Dr Cain for last night,” Bev said, somewhat breathless.
Harry, though, was unmoved. I slowly stood. His eyes were haunted.
Pam called for calm. “Dr Cain, is everything alright?”
“What’s wrong?” I began. “Harry, are—”
He gently took my hands. “I’m sorry, Stacey. I’m so fucking sorry.” He took a deep breath. “Mrs Lynnette Hughes passed away today. I know she meant a lot to you.”
“Granny Lynn? She’s dead?”
Harry nodded and my knees wobbled. He guided me to sit back down.
“She died peacefully of a stroke. She was fine when I saw her two hours ago, but she’d passed away in her sleep between my visit and lunch. I’m so sorry, Stacey.”
* * *
I didn’t go to the pub.
I hadn’t cried yet. I was still numb.
Under the pallor of moonlight, I walked across our paddocks and through the bush to a place where a snow gum grew on the banks of a creek, and climbed up.
I hauled myself over a low branch so big I couldn’t get my arms around it. This tree was old. Probably as old as the Turners themselves in this place, maybe older.
From here, I could see Granny Lynn’s house down in the valley below, an ominous shape without the glow of lights in the windows.
My heart was full of despair. I’d lost a true friend, and mentor.
Fuck, should have brought something to drink. Whiskey, tequila, even the butterscotch schnapps that Granny Lynn liked to drink.
The gum leaves rustled and shook in the breeze.
I turned on my phone and messages downloaded. I swiped my eyes as I scrolled through them, ignoring all except one.
Harry.
He’d messaged only five minutes ago.
Harry: I’m glad Pam got you home safe. I wished I could have instead. Had patients until 6
Harry: How are you going?
Harry: That’s a dumb question. I know you’re upset.
Stacey: I’m up a gum tree staring at Granny Lynn’s house.
Harry: Okay … I’m calling.
His number lit up my phone. He didn’t give me a chance to speak when I answered.
“Stacey, are you okay? Where are you?”
