I take Mark’s hand in mine.
The drugs work fast. He smiles through the haze.
“I love you,” I whisper.
It takes a few more moments before he closes his eyes. We seem to sit like this forever, until Patrick grips my shoulder.
“He’s gone, Cassie. I’m so sorry.”
“Where’s Sophie?”
“I’m right here.”
I turn my head and Sophie’s tucked into a chair, her knees pulled up. She comes to me when I wave her over, and I hold her tight.
She’s the one who cries.
All I feel is numb.
“Cassie? Where’s the number for your GP? Is he the one coming to take care of the details?”
I nod.
Patrick presses a kiss to my forehead. “I’ve got this. You just take care of Sophie.”
When she’s all cried out, I lead her to her room and curl up on her bed until she falls asleep. It’s the middle of the afternoon, but I think any semblance of normality is gone today.
It’s Patrick who deals with the GP and the death certificate details.
It’s Patrick who calls the funeral director.
It’s Patrick who organises the pick-up.
He’s waiting next to the couch when I come back out and make my way to him.
“Is it done?” I ask.
He nods. “They’ll be here as soon as they can. Is Sophie okay?”
I shake my head. “Not right now, but she will be.”
He reaches over and takes my hand. “How about you?”
“Same?”
“I’ll make some coffee. Want me to call Lauren?”
Oh God. Lauren. She’ll be devastated.
“Hey,” he says. “You’re not alone. I can go and pick her up if you want me to.”
I shake my head. “I’ll call her. I’m not even sure if she’s home. She’s all over the place right now.”
Finding my handbag, I dig out my phone and dial her.
It takes a while, but she finally answers.
“Cassie.”
