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It was about forty-five minutes later that Ophelia heard the loud thumping as her her mother charged up the stairs and burst into the room.

“Oh! Ophelia!” She grabbed her daughter into a hug. “I’m so sorry!” I’ve been so self absorbed that I didn’t even notice you were getting sick.” She sounded on the verge of tears. “You should have said if you didn’t feel well. I told you to be careful.”

“I was fine last night, mum,” Ophelia said once she managed to get her to let go. She gasped for breath for a minute. “It can on suddenly during the night and,” she added with a grin, “suffocating me won’t help me to recover.”

“Sorry,” her mother said. “And yes, so Soph told me. She says that you were worse earlier and seem to be getting better but she still thought you were too sick to go to school.”

“Yeah, I felt really awful when Sera woke Aunt Sophie up at about four because she was so worried about me. I had a thumping headache like you wouldn’t believe and could barely stand. My head still hurts and my legs are shakey but I feel much better than earlier now. I’m sorry to worry you.”

“Meh, I always worry about you. Soph says that I worry too much but I can’t help it. You’re so like me at your age. I wish someone had worried about me…”

“Aunt Sophie says I’m nothing like you at my age,” Ophelia said.

“Hmm, yes. She says that you have more sense than I did. I just hope that she’s right.” She obviously realised that Ophelia was about to ask what had happened back then because she shook her head. “Don’t ask, please. I’m not ready to talk about it yet. But Soph has persuaded me that you aren’t in the same mess that I got myself into which is a relief.”

Ophelia knew that tone. It meant the discussion was at an end and her mother wouldn’t talk even if Ophelia tried to push the matter. After a moment Ophelia nodded. “Okay, mum, I won’t ask but I am really curious.”

“I’ll bet you are.” Her mother gave a strained smile. “Are you sure that you’re okay? Do you want me to call the doctor?” She looked at the empty tray which was still sitting by the bed. “Well there’s nothing wrong with your appetite. Did Soph really have to chase you back upstairs with a frying pan this morning?”

“Yeah, pretty much. And I’ll be fine, mum. I don’t think I need a doctor. Go to the Chemist and talk to the pharmacist if you’re worried. If they think I need a doctor I’ll go.”

“That’s a good idea,” her mother said. “It probably is just flu, isn’t it?”

“You really do worry too much,” Ophelia said.

Her mother sighed heavily. “I hope so. I really do.” She rose to her feet. “I’ll be back after I’ve spoken to the chemist.”

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