The Quotidian Timeline

3:30 am, September 9th – St Thomas’ Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London

Fifteen minutes earlier, Ava crossed the threshold of St Thomas’ Hospital in her stolen nurses’ costume. She hid her limp when she was in front of others and winced when alone. With hands in her pockets, she gave the impression of a nurse on a break. Heading to the lifts, she hoped there were no security doors since her card from the asylum wouldn’t work there.

She reached Finch’s room.

He’s been moved!

She tried the next floor. It was the middle of the night, so the floors were calm, and she waited for nurses to leave their stations before searching each floor for Finch. Despite her efforts, she couldn’t find him. Security guards might appear, so she acted the part of nursing well. Stopping to look at her imaginary watch or taking utensils from a pantry. After a couple of hours like this, she found Finch on the second floor.

“My sweetnut! My Darling!” she wept, holding Finch close to her. Yearning to return to Machia Veil before the winter solstice.

A nurse checking in on Finch froze when she saw Ava.

“Hello,” said Ava as calmly as she could.

“We didn’t realise.” The nurse was in shock. She was clearly a huge fan. “Aria Kent!”

Ava smiled. “Would you like a photo?”

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“Oh my God, yes please!” She blushed and dropped her tray of medicines on Finch’s bed.

They posed, and the nurse took various photos with her smart phone.

“Thank you! My husband will not believe it. We are such huge fans.”

“My pleasure,” she said, smiling.

The nurse observed them.

“Are you filming here?” she asked incredulous pointing to Ava’s nursing costume.

Ava coughed. “Not exactly,” she said.

“Are you and Finch … related?” the nurse asked.

“Yes, he is my favourite nephew,” she lied.

“Visiting hours are from ten am.”

“Please,” said Ava.

“It’s okay,” said the nurse with a wink. “Anything for you! But promise me you won’t tell on me!”

“Cross my heart.”

“I’ll make sure no one comes in,” she smiled.

“Thank you so much!” said Ava.

The nurse closed the door behind her.

Ava looked back at her son, her eyes filled with sorrow, and she wept at his bedside.

At that precise moment, Finch’s arm twitched, causing Ava to startle. She studied her beloved child. Her heart leaped with relief at the sight of a faint sign of life. He opened his eyes.

Finch looked up at her, his eyes widening. He lifted his hand towards her face but then lost strength.

“My darling sweetnut! How I missed you! I am so sorry,” said Ava, weeping.

“I’m sorry Mum,” his voice was faint.

“Nurse!” called Ava.

“Can we go home now?” asked Finch.

“Darling, darling!”

The nurse walked back into the room. “Aria, there are agents coming. They say they are looking for you?”

Ava glanced at Finch.

“He’s awake!” said the nurse.

“Yes.” Ava paused. “They are not agents, they are press,” she lied. “What is your name?”

“Kate.”

“Kate, I will make it up to you. Can you hide me?”

“Of course! This way.”

Ava faced her son. “My darling, I’ll be back.”

She led Ava out into the corridor and into a utility room.

“No one ever comes in here,” said Kate.

Then, before she turned.

“Wait!” said Ava.

“Yes?”

“You will tell me when they leave?”

“Of course! You can count on me,” she said.

“Thank you, Kate.”

“Wow, love hearing you say my name! Such a dream come true!”