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‘Does she need some Calpol?’ Molly points to the cupboard above the fridge. ‘Mammy gives me Calpol when I get sick. And it’s yummy.’
‘That is a good idea, Molly,’ I smile. ‘But I don’t think Calpol will help this time. I think the doctors have special medicine for Kayla.’
Molly nods.
‘Do you understand, Molly?’ I ask.
‘Yes,’ Molly nods again, smiling and satisfied with my answer. ‘Can I have a muffin now?’
‘At this hour of the morning, you most certainly cannot,’ Charlotte says.
I cringe. I didn’t hear Charlotte come into the kitchen behind us. I wonder how long she’s been there. How long she’s been listening to Molly’s questions and my efforts to answer.
‘Molly Doran do you think there is somewhere you should be?’ Charlotte asks.
‘In bed,’ Molly whispers.
‘Yes! In bed,’ Charlotte says with her hands on her hips. ‘C’mon now. Lickety split please?’
Molly’s eyes glass over and I’m sure she’s about to cry. I place my hands on her hips, give a little nod so she’s ready, and swing her down from the shelf.
‘Your mam’s right, Molly,’ I say. ‘It’s a little too late for a muffin right now, but how about taking one to school tomorrow instead?’
‘Really?’ Molly’s eyes brighten.
‘If that’s okay with your mam.’ I look at Charlotte, conscious that I’m treading on very thin ice.
‘Unfortunately, the school has a strict healthy-eating policy,’ Charlotte says sternly and the explanation is clearly for me and not Molly. ‘No treats allowed, except on Fridays.’
‘Oh.’ I swallow, remembering.
Molly sighs and drags herself sluggishly towards the door.
‘But…’ Charlotte exhales loudly. ‘Maybe we won’t be going to school tomorrow.’
Molly spins around, suddenly animated and giddy.
‘Okay, missy,’ Charlotte says. ‘That’s enough excitement for one night. We’ll talk about this more in the morning.’
‘But I don’t have to go to school?’ Molly bounces on the spot.
‘No.’ Charlotte shakes her head.
‘And I can have a muffin?’ Molly grins.
‘Yes.’ Charlotte smiles.
‘And I can see Kayla?’ Molly adds.
My heart races.
‘Molly,’ Charlotte says, serious and stern. ‘It really is bedtime now. I said we can talk in the morning. Not tonight. In the morning.’
‘So, Icansee Kayla?’ Molly’s head nods to complement her bouncing.
‘Molly. Bed.’ Charlotte sighs.
‘But it’s scary all by my own,’ Molly says, suddenly still.
