Zoe turned over, or tried to, then realised she was lying on something other than her own bed. Running through the possibilities – from the hard ground in Serenity Valley to someone else’s bed – she realised the latter was nearer the mark. Especially when small hands touched her face.

“Mama,” Ben said, tapping her cheeks. “Morning.”

“I'm awake, I'm awake,” she said, opening her eyes and smiling at her son.

“Mama.” He grinned back, then coughed loudly, spattering her with tiny droplets. “Sorry,” he mumbled.

“Well, if I don’t get it now I’ll be surprised.” She sat up on the cot as she wiped herself down and pulled Ben onto her lap. “How’re you feeling today?” she asked, running her hand across his forehead.

He made a face. “Icky.”

It was a word Bethie had been using whenever anyone asked how she was, and she could see he meant it. His skin was flushed and hot, and she could hear his chest was rolling with every breath. “I think we’d better get the doc to take a look at you.”

“’Kay.” He rubbed his nose with the back of his hand.

“I'm here,” Simon said, stepping into the shuttle, his medical bag in his hand. “Is Ben feeling worse?”

“I think his temperature’s higher.”

“Well, let’s see what we can do about that, shall we?” He smiled, sat down on the edge of the cot and pulled out his stethoscope, moving the little boy’s pyjamas up so he could listen to his chest.

Ben studied him, watching every move. “Uncle Simon?” he asked carefully, pointing to the stethoscope. “Wanna play.”

“In a minute, Ben.” Simon was listening intently, moving the business end to different places, then Ben coughed again and he winced. Pulling the earpieces away he looked at Zoe. “He’s congested, but I can give him something to help that.” He took a small bottle out of his bag and measured a single dose. “Ben, you have to drink this.”

The little boy screwed up his face in disgust, but opened his mouth, and as Simon poured the liquid inside he took advantage of the opportunity and