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‘Do you mean she’s in a coma?’ Fiona asked, cutting straight to the point.

‘Well, she’s non-responsive.’ Mia’s voice wobbled. ‘So we think it’s a coma. It’s hard to follow what the doctors are saying, to be honest. I feel completely out of my depth.’

‘Your poor family,’ Fiona said. ‘You’ll need time off. Don’t worry about it for a moment. I can hold the fort here and obviously I’ll keep a close eye on Izzy. Does she know what’s going on?’

‘Not really, but she’s upset, obviously, and worried. I’ve spoken to her teacher already.’

‘Poor little pet. I’ll make sure to pop in to see her.’

‘I’m worried about my Communion class,’ Mia said. ‘The rehearsals have been going well, but I don’t want to let them down.’

‘I can step in there,’ Fiona said firmly. ‘Hopefully Sarah will respond to treatment and you’ll be back here with us in no time.’ She gazed at Mia with such kindness that Mia nearly burst into tears.

‘Thank you so much,’ she said. ‘I know this is bad timing, but I really appreciate your understanding. I should be able to drop in and out, try to stay on top of things.’

‘Family comes first,’ Fiona said. ‘It’s at times like these we realize the truth of that. I lost my brother,’ she said. ‘He was only thirty. Leukaemia. I can relate to what you’re going through, and I’m here to talk any time. If I can help in any way, please let me know.’

Wow, Mia thought. She had never known that. Fiona was not one to share personal details. How sad. ‘Thank you,’ she said. ‘And I’m very sorry about your brother. I had no idea.’

‘We all carry scars.’ Fiona smiled sadly. ‘Scratch the surface and everyone has a burden they’re carrying.’

‘Thank you again. I’ve left Izzy in her class and I hope she’ll be OK, but I told Vanessa that if Izzy’s upset, she can call Riley to come over and sit with her. I’m going to head to the hospital now and see if there’s any news.’

‘I’ll keep an eye on Izzy, too. I hope you hear something positive. I’ll send up a prayer for Sarah.’

Mia saw Adam at the coffee machine and went straight over to him. ‘Morning,’ she said. ‘How is she? Any news?’

Adam stared into the empty cup in his hand. ‘Same as yesterday. Baby’s heartbeat is still strong, so that’s something. Sarah is just lying there. Nothing. And the only word they say to me is “tests”. I tell you, Mia, I feel like punching someone at this stage.’

Mia took the cup from him and put it down. She doubted coffee was going to do him any good when he was already so jittery and tense. ‘I’ll check in with Angela,’ she said. ‘If there’s no change, why don’t you go home, have a shower and eat something decent? Izzy’s at school, so you’ll have time to yourself.’

‘What if Sarah wakes up?’ he said.

‘I’ll call you immediately,’ Mia said. ‘And you’ll be here within thirty minutes.’

They walked up the corridor to the nurses’ station. Angela came out of Sarah’s room and smiled at them. ‘Morning. Still no change. But I asked Dr Mayhew if you and Charlie could sit with Sarah, Mia, and the good news is he said yes.’

‘Really?’ Mia felt like she’d won the Lotto. ‘Oh, thanks, Angela. It’s been killing me not to be near her.’

‘I know,’ Angela said. ‘And it’s good for her to hear your voices as well.’

‘Has Charlie arrived?’ Mia asked Adam.

‘Not yet. He texted to say he’d come around ten.’

‘So, will you head home for a bit?’ Mia asked. ‘I’ll sit with her until you get back.’

‘That’s a good idea,’ Angela said, backing her up. ‘You need to take care of yourself as well, Adam, for your own sake and Izzy’s.’

Adam nodded tiredly. ‘Well, if there’s no change at all, I’ll just run back for a shower and a change of clothes. I’ll be as quick as I can.’

‘I won’t leave her,’ Mia said. ‘Don’t worry.’

Adam collected the gym bag from the waiting room and headed off.

‘Are you ready?’ Angela asked. ‘We have to keep the environment germ-free, so you’ll need to wear protective clothing.’ She fetched a plastic apron and a hair covering and helped Mia put them on.

‘Now your hands.’ She watched as Mia washed them carefully with the special foam soap. ‘Good. Right, I’ll bring you in.’