Lena — the following week
June was going with Beth for a few days. She said a few days twice while the arrangements were being discussed, and Beth said she understood both times. The room was ready. There was no need for June to promise anything beyond getting into the vehicle when care released her to go.
Lena had come to confirm the next case contact and the arrangements for June's belongings. She stayed out of the way while Beth moved the larger bag onto the chair. June had a smaller one within reach. She checked inside it herself, stopping when the movement pulled at her leg, then asked Beth to bring it nearer rather than finish the check for her.
“I want the blue one,” June said when her aunt held up a coat.
“This is warmer.”
“I'm going to the car.”
Beth put the first coat down and found the blue one. She waited with it open. June took one side, and between them they got it on without hurrying. There were instructions and follow-up arrangements to take with them. Beth asked a question; June answered before the person from the care team could, then checked that she'd got it right.
Lena gave her the number for the officer handling the practical matters. June put it in her own bag.
“I don't want people calling my aunt to ask what I want,” she said.
“They can ask you directly.”
“Except when I don't answer.”
“We'll arrange the times.”
They did. June chose a short appointment and asked what would happen if she needed to stop. Lena told her. There would be more to give, and more she might not want to give in one sitting. Nobody asked for it at the door.
When the chair was brought for the departure, Beth reached to move a strap out of the way. June told her to leave it; she wanted the smaller bag on her lap. She made room for it, then looked up at her aunt.
“I'm ready.”
Beth followed the member of staff taking her out. Lena watched long enough to be sure they had the papers and went to her next contact.
Nadia met her outside Alma's later that afternoon. Tessa had a bag slung over one shoulder and was trying to zip it without taking it off. Her mother offered to hold it. The girl said she could do it and eventually did.
Nadia asked whether the next statement arrangements could be made while Tessa was at school. Lena said yes. They chose a time and confirmed who should be called if it changed. Nadia did not ask her to pass a message to June. When Lena said the belongings would go through the officer, she nodded and put the information away.
Alma came to the door with something they'd forgotten. Tessa went back for it, leaving her mother beside Lena on the path.
“We're going to our place,” Nadia said. “She's decided she wants her own bed.”
“All right.”
“I want mine too.”
She looked toward the door. Alma was calling something from the kitchen. Nadia said yes, she had it, then called to Tessa that they were going to miss the bus if she stayed talking.
The girl came out with a small plastic container. Alma had given them more food than would fit in the bag. Nadia took it, checked that the lid was closed and told her daughter which way they were walking.
“I know,” Tessa said.
“Then go on.”
Lena moved off the narrow path so they could pass. Tessa went first, turning at the gate to say something her mother couldn't hear from where she was. Nadia asked her to wait, and the girl waited. On the sidewalk her mother caught up. Tessa took the container from her so she could fasten her coat, and when Nadia had done it they crossed toward the stop together.