Page 109 of Killing Mind

Tiff could see Maria’s indecision.

‘Everyone here will support your decision, and if you want to give your mother a call to wish her happy birthday no one will judge you, but I‘ll ask you this: did she care about happy birthdays when she was falling over drunk when you were ten years old?’

Tiff realised she was the only person in the room shocked at Lorna’s words. It was clear that everyone knew everyone else’s story,

‘And did she care about your birthday when you were eighteen and visiting her in prison? Did she care about birthdays when she was taking all your wages from the petrol station to buy alcohol?’

The words, although harsh, were wrapped in a gentle layer of empathy and understanding.

Maria had been shaking her head the whole time.

Lorna stood and went to the girl. She placed her hand on her shoulder.

‘Sweetie, if you feel you’re ready to let that toxic relationship back into your life, we’ll support you. We only want you to be happy.’

Tears began to slide down Maria’s cheeks. Lorna turned her and hugged her close, stroking her hair.

‘It’s okay, sweetheart, let it out. You know we all love you.’

Other women began to leave their seats and gather around Maria. A hand here, a touch there.

Lorna extricated herself from what had become a group hug and returned to her seat.

The hugging eventually stopped and Maria raised her head.

Lorna caught her eye. ‘Do you want me to arrange the call?’

Maria shook her head decisively and vigorously as nods of agreement travelled around the room.

‘Isn’t she awesome?’ Britney asked beside her.

Tiff nodded, although she would have used the word persuasive.

Tiff continued to listen as women voiced concerns about missing aspects of their former life, and each one was expertly and subtly steered away by using their own histories against them.

After a girl in her late teens had been dissuaded from visiting her pregnant sister, Lorna checked her watch.

‘Okay, ladies, let’s pause for some drinks and snacks and then I want to tell you about some exciting events we’ve got planned for next month.’

Everyone stood and headed for the table.

‘Be back in a sec,’ Britney said, heading towards Lorna, still seated.

Tiff found herself next to Sheila in the queue.

‘Hey, Tiff,’ she said, reaching for a drink.

‘Hi,’ Tiff replied, doing the same. ‘Wow, that was hard to listen to,’ she continued, to get the woman’s attention.

Sheila moved to the side. ‘It can be hard to hear but that’s why we have these meetings, so people can be honest and open about the way they feel.’

‘Do you miss anyone?’ Tiff asked, taking a sip.

A shadow of sadness crossed her face as she shrugged.

‘Sometimes I miss people from my old life but right now I know I’m exactly where I was meant to be. Does that make sense?’

Tiff nodded, not sure that was any kind of answer that would satisfy her daughter.