“Auntie is in the hospital,” she replies sadly. “Mummy’s got to go and help out. She’s got to fly there.”
“Oh,” you reply, not sure what to say. It wasn’t something you have ever thought about, or wanted too, really.
“Don’t worry, it’s not really bad,” Bow Kid’s mum says, spotting your worry. “I’ve just got to pick my sister up from the hospital and help her for a few days until her partner is able to get back from overseas.”
Well, that doesn’t sound too bad. Maybe it was like a broken bone?
Bow Kid’s mum pulls out her phone and checks the time. She makes an unhappy sound.
“Sorry, I’ve got to get going or I’ll miss my flight.” She crouches down to your level and hugs her daughter. “Now, be good, okay?”
“I will!” Bow Kid replies.
Her mum smiles before planting a big kiss on her cheek.
“Bye,” you say as she quickly walks to her car.
“Bye, mummy,” Bow Kid adds.
Bow Kid’s mum opens her door and is about to hop in her car when she freezes and then quickly goes around to the other side, opening the back passenger door.
“You’ll need this too,” she says, doing something.
You’re not sure what until her mum pulls out Bow Kid’s car seat.
“You know what they say,” she says, jogging over with it, “the seat goes with the child.”
Your mum meets Bow Kid’s mum halfway, taking the car seat from her.
“Yes, we don’t want to forget that,” your mum says mirthfully.
“Thanks a lot again for doing this,” Bow Kid’s mum says over her shoulder as she gets into the driver’s seat for real this time.
You and Bow Kid wave as she drives away.
“You had anything to eat, sweetie?” your mum asks Bow Kid.
“Some,” she replies unsurely.
Mum gives Bow Kid kind but questioning look.
“So what have you had?”
“Um,” she replies. “Some toast… at breakfast. Mum was… busy today.”
Mum gives her a sad smile.
“You’re a growing girl, I certainly don’t mind feeding you. Why don’t you put your things away and I’ll make you a snack before dinner?”
You lead Bow Kid to your room where she sets her bag down. You wonder if she’s got enough for a few days; the bag isn’t huge. If not, she can always borrow your stuff. Still, you’re curious.
“You fit everything in there?”
“Well, yeah,” she replies before suddenly looking unsure. Bow Kid cautiously unzips her bag and her face falls. “I — uh — I forgot my you know .” She looks up at you, an uncomfortable expression on her face.
“Nappies?” you supply.
Bow Kid embarrassedly nods.
“What do I do?” she asks aloud.
You’re not sure, and start thinking, before remembering what mum had said; wouldn’t she need to get nappies for you too? You’re pretty sure your friend wouldn’t have enough for both of you, anyway. So mum would have to buy some, right?
“Lets go ask my mum.”
