Page 127

‘We’re going to see Mummy now,’ Izzy said. ‘I’m going to wake her up. Today is the day.’

‘Ah, pet, I don’t think the doctors will agree to that,’ Mia said lightly. ‘I think you should get started on your party. I mean, a chocolate fountain, Izzy! I bet you can’t wait to get home to that.’

Izzy shook her head firmly. ‘No, Mummy first. Daddy is taking me to the hospital.’

‘I don’t think he can,’ Charlie said. ‘The doctors said Daddy couldn’t bring in any other visitors, just himself.’

Adam felt the old rage rise up again, hearing Mia and her father taking over and throwing their weight about. ‘The doctors didn’t say that,’ he said.

‘Hey, Izzy, would you mind if I bring you over to that blossom tree for some photos?’ Rob said. ‘You’ll look so pretty under those pink blossoms. I want to get a special picture for Ellen.’

Izzy went off happily, hand in hand with Rob.

Once Izzy was out of earshot, Adam fronted up for the argument.

‘You’re not seriously taking her to the hospital?’ Mia said. ‘She’ll be so upset when she sees Sarah.’

‘She’s been asking me every five minutes for a week. I can’t keep fobbing her off. If I don’t take her in, she’ll freak out.’

‘So lie to her, tell her Sarah is in surgery or something. Tell her anything. Please, Adam, that’s not a sight for a child.’

Adam gritted his teeth. ‘I’ve used that excuse a hundred times already. She never stops asking. I’ll ask Angela to make Sarah look more … more presentable. She can put on the sunglasses, put make-up on her face. It’ll be OK.’

‘No amount of make-up can hide the reality of Sarah’s body,’ Mia said. ‘Izzy will be traumatized.’

Adam had had enough. Didn’t they get it? He’d tried to put Izzy off. He’d come up with every excuse in the book but she asked non-stop. She got more and more upset every time he said, ‘Not today.’ She was desperate to see her mother. She would not let up until she did. What choice did he have?

‘Back off, Mia. Stop telling me what to do. Just back the hell away.’

‘Don’t speak to Mia like that,’ Charlie snapped. ‘We’re only concerned for Izzy.’

‘I’m sick of all of you interfering in my life. Stay away from me and Izzy.’

Riley stepped forward and stood in front of her uncle. ‘Adam, this is all kinds of crazy. I know you’re in bits, and I know you adore Izzy and want to help her, but this isn’t the way. I nearly lost my mind when I saw Sarah. Izzy is only seven. She seriously cannot cope with seeing her mother like that.’

‘Like mother, like daughter,’ Adam said. He felt sick at Riley’s words, but he hated them all for judging him. He was a good father, but they were acting like he was an unfeeling monster. Where did they get off playing all high and mighty?

‘I’m thinking of Izzy,’ Riley said, her face flushed.

Mia put her hand on her daughter’s arm. ‘Yes, you are, love, but Adam can’t hear us. This is a pointless conversation.’

Rob walked back towards them, Izzy holding his hand and babbling excitedly about Sarah.

‘… and when she wakes up, do you know what we’ll do? We’ll bring her to the party and she can see everyone. She’ll be so happy! I can’t wait!’

‘If she needs us,’ Mia said, ‘we’ll still be here, Adam. You might hate us right now, but we’ll always be here for Izzy. If she’s upset later, Riley can come over.’

‘She’ll be fine,’ Adam said, wanting desperately to get away from them now. ‘I think it would be best if you don’t come over later.’

‘Adam –’ Rob started, but Adam silenced him with a look.

He took Izzy’s hand and walked her towards the car park.

Izzy waved at them over her shoulder. ‘See you later at the party,’ she shouted.

49

The hospital was quiet. It was a warm and sunny May afternoon so anyone who could bring their visitors outside to the grassy areas had done so. The corridors were much emptier than usual. Adam’s heart was heavy, but he knew this moment of goodbye would be important for Izzy. She’d always remember that she got to say goodbye, and that would help with her grief.