Page 108 of Seven Letters

Izzy shook her head. ‘Daddy said I’m not supposed to talk to you and Riley and Granddad because you had a big fight. Why can’t you just say sorry and make up, Mia?’

Mia wanted to kill Adam. ‘I will – we all will. It happened because we’re all tired and worried about your mum. It’s nothing for you to worry about.’

‘That’s what Daddy said too, but for now I can’t stay over with you. I really want a sleepover with Riley. I miss her.’

‘I’ll talk to your dad and see if we can sort it out. How are you feeling about your Communion?’

Izzy’s chin jutted out. ‘I’m excited because Mummy will wake up that day and I can’t wait to see her. Although I hope she wakes up the day before, so she can do my hair. If she doesn’t, can you or Riley do it for me? Daddy and Rob are no good.’

Mia tried to keep her face from crumpling. This poor, confused little girl really believed Sarah was going to wake up. How could they explain it to her? As much as Mia hated Adam right now, she didn’t envy him that. No matter what he said or how he said it, his words would break Izzy’s little heart, and part of it would remain broken for ever.

‘Of course we will, pet.’ If your psycho father lets us near you. ‘You can look at pictures with Riley and decide how you want it.’

Izzy took off her glasses and began to clean them furiously, using the hem of her skirt. ‘I know already. Me and Mummy looked at loads of photos of girls on their Communion Dayand we decided on the nicest hairstyle. Mummy has a photo of it on her phone.’

‘OK. Whatever happens, you will have beautiful hair and your stunning dress.’

‘I love my dress. Do you remember when Mummy made me try it on for you and I kept twirling until I got dizzy and fell down?’

Mia smiled. ‘Yes, I do.’

Izzy put her glasses back on. Her eyes shone. ‘It’s going to be an amazing day. Mummy will wake up and I’m having a bouncy castle and a chocolate fountain, and you and Daddy will be friends again and everything will be nice and no one will be sad. All the badness will be over.’

Mia bent down and hugged her.

‘Ouch, Mia, too tight.’

‘Sorry, pet. I just love you so much and your mum was always so proud of you.’

‘I’m proud of her too. I know she’s strong and she’ll fight the lump in her head and wake up.’

Mia smiled and turned away before the tears came.

Johnny’s head snapped up from the newspaper he was reading. He gripped Mia’s arm. ‘Do you hear that?’

Mia cocked her head. ‘No, it couldn’t be.’

‘It must be the radio.’

They listened.

‘I think it is,’ Johnny said.

‘She’s singing.’

‘She never sings.’

‘Ever. Quick, I hear footsteps.’

Mia pulled Johnny away from the door and they pretended to be busy boiling the kettle together when Riley walked into the kitchen, still singing.

‘Act normal,’ Johnny whispered.

‘Morning,’ Riley said. ‘How are you today, Mum? Did you sleep? Why don’t you sit down and I’ll get the coffee?’

‘Go with it,’ Johnny hissed.

‘Fitfully, and I’d love you to make me coffee.’ Mia winked at Johnny.

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