Yet when I get to the airport, ready to board my flight, I can’t help but glance over my shoulder, hoping that someone will be there, begging me to stay.
63
Casey
When I get home from work, I find Martin’s car parked in our driveway. I step into Dad’s front door to find him sitting on the sofa, a cup of coffee in one hand. Dad, on the other hand, is on his feet in front of him, leaning against the wall.
“How come you’re here?” I ask, concerned, putting my bag down on the floor.
I didn’t see Martin in the hospital today – it was his day off – and I really hope he hasn’t come here to blurt out the whole Nick saga to my dad. I don’t want Dad to know; I’m not ready for all his ‘I told you so’s. Not that I’m trying to hide anything from him – I know that, sooner or later, he’ll start to realise that I’ve been spending a lot of time at home – but I still need another few days before I can talk about it without bursting into tears.
“Come here, Casey, sit next to me.” I don’t like the tone of Martin’s voice at all.
“What’s going on?”
“Have you been round to the O’Connors’ recently?”
“They cancelled the last two appointments,” I say, uncertain.
I don’t know why they cancelled them. Maybe they didn’t want me around, or they found another physio. I tried to ask, but Chris was really vague, and she just told me that they’ll let me know as soon as I can start again.
“James isn’t doing so well.”
I only realise I’m crying once I feel the tears drip onto my neck.
“He’s refusing all his appointments, he won’t leave his room. He isn’t eating…”
“Why didn’t they tell me? I could’ve done something. I could’ve spoken to him…”
“He won’t let anyone talk to him.”
“Why are you only telling me now? You should’ve told me straight away!” I say, unreasonably annoyed with him.
“I only found out this morning. I went to Chris’ café for breakfast, and she looked worried. She ended up telling me everything.”
“I don’t understand. He was fine, and…”
“You know how these things go. And you also know it can get worse, and before long…”
“What about Nick?” I ask suddenly.
“We don’t know, hon.”
“Has…has anyone told him?” I ask, without being able to look at my dad.
“Ryan’s taking care of it.”
I nod sadly.
“I’m so sorry, Casey. I know how much you care about that family.”
“There must be something I can do. I can’t just sit here, twiddling my thumbs!”
“I really don’t think there’s anything you can do for Mr O’Connor, Casey. But maybe for someone else…”
I bite my lip, nervously.
“I think that someone’s going to need you pretty soon.”
