Alfie could feel his cheeks burning red.
‘You’ve done a good job with her though, I have to say.’
‘What do you mean?’ He was trapped in his own blur of thoughts.
‘Imean, you’ve done a good job at getting her to talk. She’s really opened up around you. Everyone can see it. Well … hear it.’
They both laughed. Alfie couldn’t ignore the purr of contentment that had settled in his stomach.
‘I thought I’d give annoying you a break for a while, and focus my energy into something else. Now it’s paid off I reckon I can spare some time to aggravate you again. I know you’ve missed it.’
‘Trust me, without your constant flow of inane bullshit bombarding my eardrums, I’ve been able to watchHomes Under the Hammerin peace every day. It’s been an absolute delight.’
Suddenly and very subtly, his expression changed. He reached for Alfie’s hand and held it gently. Alfie felt it was like clasping a tiny bird, so fragile and small that its bones felt dangerously breakable in his grip.
‘Alice is lucky to have you, boy. In fact, we all are.’ The old man’s eyes lingered on Alfie’s momentarily before turning to look at the TV.
There were so many things Alfie wanted to say, yet he couldn’t find the words. All he could do was softly squeeze the paper-thin hand that remained resting in his palm, and join him in pretending to be interested in the daytime TV show. He managed to keep Mr Peterson awake for a good hour before the old man dozed off. Alfie sat with him a little longer before resigning himself to bed and boredom.
The silence behind the curtain continued into the night. He could just about make out a couple of grunts and mumbles, but they were few and far between. Sarah remained dutifully until Nurse Bellingham decided enough was enough.
‘Sarah, how many times do I have to tell you, visitors arenotallowed to stay beyond 4 p.m. I don’t care how special you consider yourself or how many of the other nurses allow you to break the rules; if I catch you again, I will have to report you.’
‘I’m sorry, it’s just been a really tough day and I was—’
‘Getting your things and leaving? Yes, please do that.’
Before she left, Sarah popped her head around to say goodnight.
‘How is she?’ he mouthed silently.
The look in her eye told him all he needed to know.
He nodded in acknowledgement.
She tried to smile, but the sadness wouldn’t let her.
And there he was. Back to square one, drowning in the silence again.
35
Alice
Get me out of this body.
Get me out of this fucking useless disgusting body.
You’re a freak, Alice.
You’re a damaged twisted-looking freak.
You’re not OK.
You’re anything but OK.
They lied to you.
They all fucking lied to you.
