Maura studied her friend as she ate. ‘Then why don’t I believe you?’ she wondered as she set about putting the groceries away.

By the time the gnocchi was ready, Maura had noticed a considerable decline in her friend’s behaviour and physicality. She was sweating considerably, dark patches stained the underarms of her shirt and Jane wiped at her forehead with increased regularity.

“Are you feeling unwell?” she asked as she served Jane her meal, accompanied by a large glass of fresh orange juice. “You look rather pale.”

Shaking her head, but refusing to meet those all seeing hazel eyes, Jane studied her meal. It looked exactly the way it did when her mother made it and yet, her stomach flipped violently. “I’m ok.” Her voice was barely a cracked whisper and she reached for her juice, drinking deeply.

Maura abandoned her own meal, crouching before her friend and taking the glass, setting it on the table and tilting Jane’s head so she could meet her eyes. “You’re not well, are you?” her voice was laced with worry and Jane’s eyes darted around the room as soft, cool hands came to rest on her forehead.

“Do you want me to take you to the hospital?”

Jane felt her heart leap into her throat at the suggestion and her body twitched with all the warning signs of another major panic attack. She shook her head, long brown hair whipping painfully across both women’s faces as tears filled her eyes once more.

“Can I examine you instead?” Maura asked softly. Something was incredibly wrong here, she wasn’t used to seeing Jane so unravelled. “I have my bag in my car.” She continued when Jane hung her head again. “It won’t take long.”

Jane finally met her gaze for the first time that evening. “I think I would prefer that.” She croaked, a single tear rolling down her cheek as Maura smiled at her and got to her feet.

“That’s my girl.” She told her, turning quickly to hide her own tears that threatened to spill from her eyes. “I’ll be back in a moment.” Maura promised solemnly as she padded barefoot into the hall, the action giving Jane the first genuine smile she’d managed in two weeks.