Page 24 of The Life Experiment
‘Because everything is so pointless now. Every meeting, every phone call… They mean nothing.’
‘Things might seem that way, but they’re the opposite,’ Saira replied. ‘Time counts now more than ever. Each decision you make can craft your life into exactly what you want it to be.’
‘But I don’t know what I want it to be, and two years is nowhere near long enough to figure that out.’
Leaving Layla’s wineglass to soak in the sink, Saira approached her. ‘I know your death date was a shock, but you don’t need to destroy the life you have to make your future a good one. Look at the foundations you’ve already built! A job you’ve strived for and a home in oneof the greatest cities in the world. You’ve crafted something amazing, Layla. Now you need to figure out how to utilise it. We can work that out together.’
Saira’s passionate speech shone with possibility, but after so many days of darkness it was hard for Layla to see it. ‘How?’ she asked, her chin wobbling.
‘By taking it one day at a time. Small step after small step until this feels achievable.’
Again, Layla waited for doubt to creep into Saira’s tone, but it never did. Lifting her chin, Layla met Saira’s gaze. ‘Do you really think I can do it?’
‘Layla,’ Saira replied, taking her hand. ‘When I read your application, I knew you needed to be part of this study. I knew we would learn so much from you. With your drive and your mind, you are unstoppable. You’ve proven that a hundred times over. Why not prove it once more?’
‘I don’t know if I can.’
‘Well, I do. Throughout your life, there hasn’t been a single obstacle placed in front of you that you haven’t successfully climbed. Granted, this is your biggest challenge yet, but the woman I met four weeks ago was not one to back down just because something was tough. Why not let her take the lead for a little bit?’
When she couldn’t come up with a single reason, Layla swallowed her tears. ‘And you’ll really help me?’
‘Absolutely. I’m going to check on you every day. Expect a text. Multiple texts, even. All you need to do is respond with a number, marking your mood out of ten. Any less than seven, I’ll call you there and then. Any less than five, I’ll be on the next train to see you. How does that sound?’
‘That sounds like a lot for you to take on,’ Layla joked weakly.
‘Well, this is my experiment. I have a duty of care. But more than that, I want you to be okay.’ Moving closer, Saira let her features meltwith sympathy. ‘Layla, however alone you feel right now, you’re not. You will get through this. I will be with you every step of the way.’
To prove her point, Saira squeezed Layla’s hand reassuringly. It was almost enough to make Layla believe that things might be okay after all.
12Angus
The Life Experiment: Daily Questionnaire
Property of OPM Discoveries
How would you rate your level of contentment today? (1 represents low contentment, 10 represents high)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
How would you rate your energy level? (1 being very low energy and 10 being very high energy)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
What are two things you are grateful for today?
Cafes in Birmingham.
This questionnaire giving me something to do. I would have been watching Netflix until I hit the gym with Jasper later otherwise.
What are you struggling with today?
The fact that I met someone incredible the other day, but can’t contact her yet
Do you have any additional notes on what you would like to discuss in your upcoming counselling session?
No
The Pinot Noir slid smoothly down Angus’s throat. His fourth glass of the night was no doubt staining his teeth, but boy was it needed. His parents’ dinner party was as tedious as Angus had predicted. More so, in fact. Richard Smythe seemed intent on making sure his voice was heard in all four corners of the room. Imagining another sixty years of events like this made Angus want to reach for the the bottle of wine and down the rest of it.
