Page 78 of Seven Letters

Dr Mayhew nodded. ‘We can, of course. And we’re sorry to have bombarded you all with the bleak details, but it’s essential there is a clear understanding of the current situation. Perhaps you could talk to Adam,’ he said to Rob. ‘As next-of-kin, the decision rests with him. If Adam could see that the foetus has absolutely no hope of surviving, it would help him to make an informed decision.’

Rob rubbed his face. ‘I do hear what you’re saying, but Adam is in Hell right now and it is his decision and we have to respect that. Let’s just give him some time.’

Johnny helped Charlie up and he and Rob led him slowly back to the waiting room. Olivia jumped out of the seat and rushed over. ‘Oh dear. Bad news?’

Mia nodded. She was grateful that Olivia was there – she needed someone else to comfort Charlie. She couldn’t do it right now. Olivia held Charlie in her arms and clucked over him lovingly.

‘I’ll go find Adam,’ Rob said.

‘Thank you,’ Mia said. ‘I know this is really hard on you, but you’re being an incredible brother to him.’

‘Thanks. He’s my only family. We always have each other’s back.’

Johnny hugged Mia. ‘Hey, I’m so sorry but I have to get to the school.’

‘Now?’ Mia said, confused.

‘Teacher-training. Half-day,’ he said.

‘Oh, God, I’d forgotten. Of course.’

‘Will you be OK?’ Johnny asked.

‘I’ll be fine. Thank God you remembered about the half-day. Go and get her. She’s the priority. Thanks, Johnny.’

He left and Mia didn’t want to sit in the room with Olivia and Charlie. Her mind was racing and she needed to think. There was only one place she could do that – with Sarah.

She went to the nurses’ station and grabbed gloves, apron and mask and started to put them on. Angela came out of Sarah’s room and froze when she saw her.

‘Mia, I have to warn you, Sarah’s had a bad turn.’

‘I know, they told us.’

‘She doesn’t look good. You might get a bit of a fright. The swelling is very bad now.’

‘I need to see my sister, Angela,’ Mia said, tears rolling down her face.

‘Of course you do. Would you like me to stay?’

Mia shook her head.

‘Well, I’ll wait outside in case you need me. I’ll be just here.’

Mia opened the door and walked over to the bed. She looked down at her sister. Her hand flew up to her mouth and she screamed. The body lying in the bed wasn’t Sarah. This body looked like a monster. She was completely bloated and puffy. Her eyes were so swollen that the lids would no longer close. Pus seeped out from the drain in her head. Oh, my God, Sarah? What have they done to you? What havewedone to you?

Mia’s vision was blurring and her head felt light. She heard running feet and her body was falling in space until hands grabbed her. Then blackness.

31

Mia came to in the ICU waiting room.

‘Are you all right?’ Charlie asked.

‘Just give her a minute to catch her breath,’ Angela told him.

Mia looked up. Adam, Rob, Charlie and Olivia were all staring at her.

Angela handed her a glass of orange juice. ‘Drink that.’

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