Page 35 of Seven Letters

‘Did the doctors say anything more?’ Mia asked. She just wanted someone to say, ‘It’s fine. She’ll wake up shortly, panic over.’

‘Nothing,’ Adam said. ‘Just that we have to be patient for all the tests to be done. But apparently that can take days. I’m already half out of my mind. This is just torture, waiting and not knowing.’

‘I suppose no news is good news,’ Mia said. ‘But it’s not very reassuring.’

‘I just want her back. I need her.’

Mia rubbed his back. ‘That’s just how I feel.’

‘I remember being in this godforsaken place with Penny,’ Charlie said sadly. ‘I can’t believe I’m back with Sarah.’ His voice caught and he bent his head.

‘Mum will be watching out for her,’ Mia said. ‘And what about the baby? Have they said anything?’

Adam nodded. ‘He’s OK. The neonatal team are monitoring him closely. So far, so good.’

‘That’s great news,’ Mia said. ‘And Sarah will wake up soon.’

‘What if …’ Adam pressed a fist to his forehead ‘… what if she’s brain damaged, though? What if we don’t get our Sarah back? I can’t stop thinking about it and it’s driving me insane.’

She felt as if she’d taken a punch to the stomach. ‘Don’t go there, Adam,’ she said. ‘Modern medicine is incredible. There’s so much they can do. We have to be hopeful.’

‘I know,’ Adam said. ‘It’s just so hard. I’ve a million things that are freaking me out right now. All sorts of images going through my head. It’s just the damn not knowing.’

The door opened and blue light from the corridor stretched across the tiled floor. Angela stepped into the room. ‘Just letting you know that my shift is ending in five minutes,’ she said. ‘Hi again, Mia.’

‘Hi,’ Mia said. ‘Any news?’

Angela shook her head. ‘It’ll take time, I’m afraid,’ she said. ‘The tests are complicated and need to be repeated over a few days, so there won’t be any news for a while. I know it’s frustrating for you. I’d recommend you all go home and get some proper sleep. Sarah is in safe hands.’

‘I’m staying,’ Adam said. ‘But Angela’s right, you two should head off and come back tomorrow.’

‘I will,’ Mia said. ‘I want to help with Izzy and I’ll drop her to school tomorrow. I’ll come back in then.’

‘Great, thanks,’ Adam said.

‘My house is empty,’ Charlie said, ‘so I’m happy to stay.’

‘There’s nowhere for you to get proper sleep, Dad,’ Mia said. ‘I mean, do stay if you feel you need to, but it looks like we’ll be here for a few days, and you should keep your strength up. Why don’t you stay with us? I can make up the couch for you.’

Charlie sighed deeply. ‘Maybe you’re right,’ he said. ‘I could stay tomorrow night, Adam, let you sleep? Now I’ll head home to my own bed, but thanks, Mia.’

‘We’ll play it by ear,’ Adam said. ‘But if that works out, then, yes, taking turns might be the best idea. I don’t want Sarah to be alone at any time.’

Charlie got heavily to his feet. ‘Thanks for everything, Angela.’

‘No problem,’ she said. ‘I’ll get you a pillow and a blanket, Adam. I’ll be back at eight in the morning.’

‘Right so,’ Charlie said, gripping Adam’s shoulder. ‘I’ll be back in bright and early too. I doubt I’ll sleep anyway.’

‘Night, Adam,’ Mia said. ‘Don’t forget to call any time.’

‘I won’t. See you in the morning.’

Mia and her father walked slowly through the quiet corridors, feeling the distance from Sarah with each step.

‘This is an absolute nightmare,’ Charlie said. ‘I feel so useless.’

‘We all feel the same,’ Mia said. ‘I feel stupid as well because I don’t have a clue what tests they’re doing. I don’t even know what to ask.’

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