The light that morning was faded like an old bedspread

He opens his fingers and holds them up to the window, squints as light pours round the edges. If only he could see inside, watch the blood circulate.

The hospital smells of over-boiled vegetable soup. Sylvia's gone to get him a sausage roll. He said he was hungry so she would leave them alone. Federico turns back to Bea's bed. Lit up in soft gold, she might be asleep.

What is the song to sing to her? Bea always sings to him and he listens, he never thought to sing back. Federico clears his throat and stands away from the window. He sings.

I'd like to be
under the se
in an octopus's garden
in the shade.

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The doctor's shoes had squeaked on the gleaming lino. Black shoes with symmetrical patterns punched in the leather. He turned Bea's head, delicate as a baby. He turned it back and placed it on her pillow. Then he closed her eyes.