[ WP ] `` You have great veins . ''

`` So, I had chicken for lunch. What about you, sweetie?''. She did n't wait for a response. `` Now, we'll just go straight to the usual place. Nothing is different except me! Valentine is sorry that she could n't make it today. She asked me to say hello to you and to give you a cuddle but it's okay if you do n't want a cuddle from me!'' She waited this time, eagerly silent, until outstretched arms and a tired grin presented themselves. Leaning down she enveloped the little girl in her arms and pressed her close. She felt more bone than skin. 
 
 She was pushing the wheelchair now, nodding to the other nurses and talking incessantly. You could hear her smile through her voice. She asked an awful lot of questions. Of friends on other wards, and if her family came often, if she did n't like the food, why Valentine was her favourite. Clearly she was a close second, warranting outbursts of gleeful giggles. 
 
 They reached the usual place and the mood was a little more somber. She was sat on the chair beside her and fiddling with buttons and dials on the machine. `` You'll feel a sharp nick, baby, but after that I'll go get us some games to play for the hour. You ready? Here we go. My! Look! You have great veins!'' 
 
 Above her the sign, smothered in glitter, reflected the bright white lights. Pediatric chemotherapy.
