I looked up at the office clock, ten minutes to three. Nearly home time. Just then my boss walked in:"Can you go over this report with me Sarah? I need to put it in the post tonight."

"You know I have to pick up Katy from the nursery, Josh".

"Can't you ask your mum? She loves to look after Katy."

"I asked her twice last week".

"Please Sarah, this is important".

"I'll see what mum says", I said, reaching for the 'phone. Mum answered on the second ring:
"Hi mum, it's me".

"Hello darling, do you want me to pick up Katy?"

"Do you mind?"

"Of course I don't, you know I love spending time with her."

"Thanks mum. I won't be long".

Fifteen minutes later I remembered I hadn't 'phoned Mary the nursery manager. Mary knew mum but it was one of the nursery rules that if someone else picked up a child you had to tell them, so I quickly 'phoned the nursery. Mary answered and said mum had already picked up Katy. She could just see them going through the gate.

I had this sudden picture of mum walking along holding Katy's hand and a feeling of sadness came over me. I shook it off telling myself not to be silly.

Half an hour later I walked through my front door. Katy bounced over for her hug and I put my head round the lounge door to see mum sitting on the settee with Katy's favourite Rupert Bear book on her lap. I blew her a kiss and said I'll put the kettle on. She smiled and gave me a little wave as Katy ran back to her.

As I walked in to the kitchen the back door opened and Peter, my husband, walked in.
"Gosh you're home early", I said, then I saw his face. He was very pale. "What's the matter darling are you ill?"

Peter came and put his arms around me and I could feel him shaking. "Sit down, Sarah" he said and I automatically sat down, starting to feel ill myself.

"I don't know how to tell you this but it's your mother", Peter said. "Your father 'phoned me at work to say he returned home and found her sitting in her chair with her coat on as though she was going out. The doctor suspects she died about 3pm after a massive heart attack. He said it would have been very quick."

Relief flooded through me and I laughed, "Oh Peter, you really frightened me". He looked sorrowfully at me but I laughed."Mum's in the lounge, Peter, she picked up Katy from Nursery. Mum's fine, come and say hello to her."

I took Peter's hand and lead him to the lounge.
In the lounge Katy was sitting on the settee staring at her Rupert Bear book. "Where's Nan darling?" I said. Katy looked up her eyes brimming with tears, "Nan's gone mummy" she said.

By Noreen Cox