Justine sighed deeply and placed the handset on the sofa. Nick watched her stand up and walk on unsteady legs in the direction of the bedroom. He was about to open his mouth to say something when she turned back and looked at him with hurt in her eyes. As she spoke her voice was soft, but overflowing with pent up emotion.
“Babe, dad’s in a pretty bad way. I’m going to lie down in the bedroom for a while. Come and see me in a bit will you? Thirty minutes, something like that. Maybe an hour. I just need a bit of time. Then we can talk. Bring me something strong to drink.”
She disappeared into the bedroom and the door clicked shut, leaving Nick to wonder in admiration at the strength of this woman whose life he shared.
**
Things moved quickly for Nick and Justine in the week that followed
