A thought for the brother who misses his mother

As my daughter lay and played in hospital and my wife waited with her, spare a thought for the brother. He has played beautifully with friends and come home exhausted, yet as he has gone to bed has asked  three  simple questions.

'When will mummy come home?'
'Is my little sister ok?'
'When can I see them?'

In my head I answered
'I don't know, but I miss her'
'I think so, but last time I saw her she had a line in and was screaming. I hope, really hope she is ok'
'I am not sure'

Yet the three answers I gave in a very sooothing voice 
'Soon, very soon'
'Yes, she is getting better, the doctors and nurses are making her better'
'Tomorrow'

And has I went down stairs after he had settled I heard a cry, scream 'I want mummy, I miss mummy, when are they coming back? '

I went up stairs, gave him a gentle kiss and cuddle until he went to sleep.