Archer made her a small play tent using some wooden poles and cream canvas. He strung some fairy lights inside, and we filled it with cushions and blankets. So when she feels like she needs a moment, she simply tells me ‘tent’, and we get her settled in there until she’s ready to come back out. The longest she stayed in was about an hour and a half, but each time she’s gone in, it gets less and less.
This is a marathon, not a sprint, as Dr Rathe keeps reminding me, and I’m thankful that Nancy’s making progress. I just want her to be happy all the time. And she is, for the most part, but then her mood can flip on a dime, andI’m left scrambling.
Witnessing these types of behaviour in a professional capacity is one thing, but dealing with it as a father is quite something else.
I’m glad to have some support today. Shelley and Owen are here visiting for the weekend, and Nancy and Shell have hit it off like a house on fire. Shelley painted her nails with a children’s peel-off nail varnish yesterday, and I think Nancy now believes she hung the moon.
“They’ll be at that all day, I reckon,” Owen says, as we watch Nancy play hairdressers with Shell. Nancy’s using a bright yellow comb, and Owen and I wince every time Shell’s hair gets a bit of a forceful tug as my daughter gives her a ‘makeover’.
“Probably,” I chuckle.
“Have you heard from Corey recently?”
“Yeah,” I say, unable to help the soft smile that takes over my face. “He called the day before yesterday. He’s doing really well.”
“Any news on that ex of his?”
“Not yet. The police have suspicions he’s using one of his parents’ homes overseas, so if he comes back to the UK, he’ll get picked up at the airport.”
“But what if he isn’t overseas? Are they still looking?”
“I don’t know, to be honest. I don’t like to question Corey too much about it when he calls. It just stresses him out. He’s had a rough couple of weeks with therapy, so we’re keeping the chat light.”
“That makes sense,” Owen says as he drains the last of his coffee.
“What time are you guys heading home?” I ask. They’ve been here since Friday and are leaving today. “Will you have time for Sunday lunch before you go?”
“No, I don’t think so. What d’you reckon, Shell?” he calls across the room.
“Hmm?” she responds in question.
“What time are we getting on the road?”
“Soon, I think. I have an early meeting tomorrow, so I need to get back in time for a bath and a bottle… I mean glass… of wine.” We all laugh, Nancy, joining in louder than anyone else, always keen to be involved.
“OK, then, poppet. Finish up with Auntie Shell’s hair so she can get ready to go home.” Nancy pouts, and I worry that she’s about to have a meltdown, but Shelley turns in her chairand raises her eyebrows at my daughter.
“What did I promise you?” Shell asks.
“That you’ll be back soon for Daddy’s birthday,” Nancy sulks.
“Exactly. And what are we going to do in the meantime?”
“Vid-yo chat.” Nancy’s face lights up at the reminder. She loves to video chat with anyone, especially Corey and Cole. Adding Shelley to her list of regular callers will ensure that I rarely have access to my phone in the early evenings since Nancy likes to speak to her Uncle Cole before bedtime most evenings.
Shelley smiles at Nancy, scrunching up her nose and leaning forward for a hug. Nancy allows it and wraps her arms around Shelley’s neck. Shelley stands up with Nancy in her arms and brings her over to me. I take her, and Shelley and Owen head upstairs to pack.
March
Dear Nash,
I hope the package with Nancy’s jumper arrived OK. I saw the seal pattern and had to get it for her. I’ve been practically living in your hoodie. It makes me feel like you’re with me. I might have toget you to top up your scent on it at your birthday barbecue.
I can’t wait to see you. It’s just a few weeks now. I want the biggest hug. I’ve missed you so much. Talking on the phone isn’t enough. It just makes me want to jump through the screen like it’s Through the Dragon’s Eye or something. Did you watch that show at school? Probably not, the TV wasn’t invented yet I bet.
Stop frowning. I’m joking, you grumpy git.
Guess what? John met someone. A MAN. He casually dropped into conversation that he had a date, and when Emma and I went to the pub to gossip about him, he was there with Andrew. Andrew is the very definition of a twink, and John is smitten. To be fair, Andrew (Andy) is also moon-eyed over John. I’m very happy for them both, if a little jealous.
