Page 112 of Seven Letters

‘Yeah, that’s how I feel,’ Rob said. ‘That’s why I’m going easy on him. The updates that Dr Mayhew gives him are unbelievably grim, but he’s blocking it all out. He just can’t let go.’

Mia nodded. ‘I know, but time is going to force his hand anyway. I just hope there’s a change sooner rather than later.’

‘I’ll keep trying,’ Rob said, feeling weary at the thought. ‘I did achieve one small victory last night, though.’

‘What was that?’

‘I talked to him a lot about you and Charlie, and he’s agreed you can visit for one hour per day, under my supervision.’

‘Really? Jesus, I’m amazed,’ Mia said. ‘The UN should hire you. That’s some negotiating skill you’ve got.’

Rob laughed. It felt good, like a release. He felt like he hadn’t laughed since landing in Ireland. ‘It took a while, but behind the fear and the anger, Adam is still there, and Adam is a good guy, you know.’

‘I do,’ Mia said. ‘We’ve never totally seen eye to eye, but I was so grateful that he adored Sarah and made her happy. When do my visiting rights start? I was planning to go in to see her after school today.’

‘Shouldn’t be a problem,’ he said. ‘Hang on.’ He took out his phone and sent a text. A moment later, his phone lit up. He held up the screen for Mia to see. It said:OK.

‘That’s great,’ Mia said. ‘I was so worried about another confrontation today. I can’t take much more.’

‘Well, I’m glad I could help,’ Rob said.

‘And what about Izzy?’ Mia said. ‘Any chance of visitation rights there?’

‘I’ll work on it,’ Rob said, ‘but it’s a touchy subject. I’m so worried about her, Mia. How do you think she’s doing?’

Mia rubbed her forehead. Another headache was starting. ‘Not good,’ she said. ‘Her teacher mentioned it to me as well. She’s withdrawn, and she’s started cleaning her glasses compulsively.’

Rob nodded. ‘She does it, like, a thousand times at home every day.’

‘It’s a coping mechanism, I suppose,’ Mia said, ‘but it points to the stress she’s under. The worst thing, though, is that she truly believes Sarah will wake up on her Communion Day. I honestly don’t know how Adam could or should handle it, but she’s pinned all her hopes on it. I’m terrified of what will happen that day.’

‘Yeah, she keeps saying it to me too,’ Rob said, sighing again. ‘I can’t tell her otherwise without Adam’s say-so. He has gently tried to suggest Sarah won’t wake up, but Izzy just tunes it out. Like father, like daughter!’

The bell rang, signalling the end of break.

‘I’d better get out of your way,’ Rob said.

‘You’re so good to have come all this way to tell me in person,’ Mia said, smiling at him. ‘We just have to keep believing we’ll all get through this and come out the other side together.’

‘It’s hard to keep the faith right now, especially wheneveryone is so worn down, but it can’t stay like this for ever, that much is for sure.’

‘I’ll let Dad know that he can go in,’ Mia said. ‘He just wants one more visit, to say goodbye.’

‘No problem,’ Rob said. ‘I’ll be there to help him as well.’

‘Are you going back there now?’ Mia asked. ‘Do you want a lift?’

‘No, it’s fine. They asked us to stay away this morning because they’re treating some fresh complications.’

‘Oh, God, no – what?’ Mia asked worriedly.

‘Adam didn’t say, but we’re going in for about one o’clock. So I’ll walk back and then drive in with him. I just really needed the fresh air and exercise.’

‘I know I’ve said it before, but feel free to walk over to us any time.’

‘Thanks,’ he said, standing up. ‘And thanks for looking out for Izzy.’

‘We’ll do our best,’ Mia said. ‘I’ll walk you out.’

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