For part one, click here.
Minutes, perhaps hours, passed. Laura awoke to a dull shroud hanging over the room. The half moon shone a shining light on the bed, shadows dancing in the corner and shapes bouncing on the ceiling.
Tap, tap! She swivelled round at the knock on the door.
‘There’s someone to see you, Mum. Can I come in?’ Jake’s muffled voice asked.
‘Yes, of course you can,’ Laura smiled, starting to feel a little better.
The door flew open and something black and furry sprang into the room and onto the bed.
‘Jasper wanted to come and see you,’ Jake followed.
Laura stared at the cat, green eyes staring back at her. ‘It’s a cat, a real cat. And he’s wearing a red bow tie,’ Laura said, goose bumps breaking out all over.
‘Me and Jasper had a bit of a talk,’ Jake said.
‘A talk? What’s he doing now?’ Laura backed away, as the cat prodded her, moving closer and licking her hand with his tongue.
‘He likes you. He wants you to stroke him. That’s it. See, he’s purring. Jasper wants to stay with us for a while. That’s okay, isn’t it?’
Laura couldn’t speak. She was sure the cat had just winked at her.
‘Daddy sent Jasper.’
‘Daddy?’
‘Yes, Daddy thought we needed a friend. Jasper says Daddy’s fine and being looked after. But Daddy thought I might need a bit of help, so he sent Jasper. But Jasper and me agree you need a friend more. So I’m giving Jasper to you.’
Laura stared at her son, so young and yet so wise beyond his years.
‘It’ll be all right, Mum. We’ll be all right. The three of us.’
Laura stroked the glossy coat, smiling as Jasper licked her again. He turned to her, his eyes boring into hers. Another wink. She had proof. But proof of what? She smiled. It didn’t matter any more.
Somehow, she knew Jake was right. She was going to get through this. They all were.
The End
***
Esther Chilton 
Leave a reply to Esther Chilton Cancel reply