Libera climbed slowly out of the car, feeling nervous in a way she was very unused to. This was a whole old life lifting its head and Libera didn't know what to make of it.
She took Honos' hand as they walked and made her way up to the reception desk. "Hi," she said to the woman sitting there. "I'm looking for Mary Campbell. I was told she was here?"
The woman nodded after a quick check on the computer. "Yes, she is. Are you family? I don't have anyone written down in relation to her."
"I'm here niece," Libera said, "but I haven't seen her since I was a kid. Our family... we're sort of estranged."
The woman gave Libera a sympathetic look and stood up. "Of course. Come with me and I'll take you through. I'm sorry to say it's probably coming towards the end now. She hasn't woken in the last two days so we're just keeping her comfortable until it happens."
Libera nodded heavily, following the nurse and not letting go of Honos' hand.
In the bed, the old woman was terribly thin and pale, hooked up to machines. The nurse said something but Libera didn't hear it - she was already moving towards the chair waiting beside it, and she sat down and took the delicate mortals hand. She didn't recognise her - of course not - but her heart felt shaky.