Jim held her hand and smiled. Her eye’s glistened back at him, tears threatening to spill over. He glanced up at her head, the clock ticked down from 15.
“Jim…” Mrs.Wally said to him.
He perked up. “Miss?”
“Thank you for everything you’ve done for us at the hospital. It must be hard for you to work with old people… We know the end is just around the corner.” Mrs.Wally said.
Jim smiled politely and inclined his head. “ You truly are a lovely person Mrs.Wally. Worrying about me, even at a time like this.”
He looked at the clock, 7.
She chuckled. “Always a charmer.”
5.
“I could really use a cup of tea right now. Two sugars, milky and with a custard tart to top it all off.” Mrs.Wally continued.
3
“It’s going to be okay, Mrs.Wally.” Jim whispered.
2
“Jim, why do you have those numbers above your head?” She asked.
1…0.
She closed her eyes.
Jim jumped up, “Mrs.Wally? Mrs.Wally?” He yelled, shaking her.
No response.
Jim collapsed into his seat, cradling his head in his hands. Had she seen my time? I was so close…
Mrs.Wally’s eyes shot open.
Jim shot up. She sucked in a big breath of air and shook her head as if she had just had the jitters. “Sorry Jim! I almost fell asleep there.”
Mrs.Wally coughed. “Can you get that tea and custard for me now, my boy? My throat’s killing me.”
He gazed in shock at her head, the numbers had reset – 10:00:00. “Mrs.Wally, you saw numbers above my head before you… you fell asleep? What were they?”
She shook her head. “You’re talking crazy boy. Tea, please, Jim.”
Jim stepped back in shock. “Y-Yes Mam.” He stammered, dragging himself from the room.