Making Plans

“Hello, sweetie,” there was no wondering who the woman stroking back her hair was, her eyes were exactly the same shade of Victor’s and there were shadows of him in the shape of her nose and the high cheekbones.

“Natalia.” Mirage’s voice was a croak. “Vice and Victor?”

“The boys are fine, so don’t you worry about them,” Natalia adjusted the bed, until Mirage was sitting up enough to drink, and held a cup with a straw to her mouth. “You are alright, my darling.”

“I feel awful,” Mirage admitted, sinking back into the cushions. “Where is Vice and Victor?”

“Nicola has taken those boys in hand and taken them home for showers and food,” Natalia replied. “They were starting to smell.”

“How long has it been?” Vice and Victor were not the only ones who smelled, Mirage noted, wrinkling her nose. “I need a shower and toothbrush.”

“It is Saturday morning,” Natalia said. “I will ring the nurse.”

There were flowers, cards, and balloons all around the room. “Oh, wow,” Mirage said. “Who are al