‘I’m thinking about it.’
‘No offence, Alice, but I’m not too sure what there is to really think about.’
‘You haven’t seen me though, have you?’
Her retort was quick and cutting. He’d forgotten just how easily her words could sting.
‘No, you’re right, I haven’t. I would love to though. And if I did, I’m sure it wouldn’t stop me wanting to see you again.’
Silence.
Please God, not the silence again.
‘Goodnight, Alfie.’
29
Alice
‘Alice.’ A voice drifted into the realms of her consciousness.
‘No, don’t tell her yet. She’ll refuse to see me. I need to be close enough that she can’t say no.’
‘I’m not sure that’s the best approach with a patient like Alice.’
‘Trust me.If anyone knows how to deal with Alice, it’s me.’
‘Right, OK, if you say so. Let’s go in and see if she’s up for visitors.’
Alice was vaguely aware of a conversation happening about her. It was taking place somewhere just out of reach of her full consciousness. The voices sounded familiar but they didn’t quite make sense being here. They didn’t fit. Maybe she was still dreaming.
‘Alice, honey.’
The voice was definitely louder now.
‘Alice, dear. Are you awake?’
She really had spent too long on this ward if Nurse Angles was now appearing in her dreams.
‘Alice Gunnersley! I have travelled halfway around the world to come and see you, and you can’t even wake up!’
Her eyes snapped open.Holy shit.
‘Sarah?’
‘I’m glad you haven’t forgotten the sound of my voice. Can I come in?’
She was really here.
‘No! Please. No. Sarah, what the hell are you doing here? I told you not to come!’
She was so confused. What was happening? It was only last night that she had been talking about her friend, longing for her to be here, and now she was standing just outside her cubicle. She had got exactly what she wanted, yet right now all she wanted was for her to disappear.
‘Alice, please? It’s me.’
‘If you aren’t feeling up to seeing anyone today, that’s OK,’ Nurse Angles interjected.
She appreciated Nurse Angles’ attempt at protecting her, but she knew there would be no telling Sarah to go. Plus, deep down she didn’t want her to leave – she just needed a minute to compose herself. It had been such a long time since she’d seen her friend in the flesh, but she couldn’t bear to watch her face crumble into pity as she saw her for the first time.
