G WOKE UP WITH A START, a little disorientated. His chest felt tight.
Breathe in, breathe out, he coaxed himself. He did this until his regular breathing pattern returned.
‘Good, you’re awake.’
He turned to find his father-in-law dressed in his pyjamas.
‘Hungry?’
‘Yes, actually. Sorry, I fell asleep, you should have roused me.’
‘Don’t be silly. You were exhausted. And besides, Queen’s sleeping too.’
‘How is she?’
‘Better now. Her Mom has a way with her.’
G nodded gratefully. He went to check on Queen. His mother-in-law was in bed with her. He could only mumble, ‘Thanks, Mom,’ and went back to the kitchen. He was famished.
John put a hand on his shoulder. ‘If you need me, I’m in the bedroom closest to the toilet. At my age, I need to be near it,’ he added in an attempt at humour,
