I had to have quite a lot of wine tonight.

I try and phone Mam every day at 12 to make sure she's ok. Sometimes it's a little later and she knows not to worry if I'm a little late.
Today I rang at 12, no answer, 12.20 no answer, and then at 10 minute intervals until ten past one.
Now Mam usually wants to potter about, stay in her dressing gown and spend the day on the phone or watching tv.
She is getting frail, needs a walker or a stick, but is generally cheerful.
Where was she, what had happened? We're going on holiday. Has she fallen? Has she died? Is the phone broken.
I would've asked Beloved to check on her but he was at the hospital. I couldn't find my keys. I phoned him, he was sitting on the wall outside the hospital. He met me at his car and gave me Mam's keys. I dropped him back at the hospital. Drove like a rally driver to Mam's, worrying all the way. How am I going to tell Harriet. Better cancel the holiday. Will go into work later and turn my computer off. Who will read the eulogy.

Mam was sitting in the back yard on her scooter. She'd been shopping for a friend. Had it arranged for days.

Forgot about me apparently. She was mortified. Me too.
I love her but.......