Page 56 of The Silent Appeal

9:07 a.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

Harley is looking after Sammy on rehearsal nights.

9:10 a.m. Carol wrote:

Wonderful.

9:18 a.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

Kevin has promised him driving lessons in return.

9:20 a.m. Carol wrote:

More fool him.

10:15 a.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

How is Nicky-Rose?

10:16 a.m. Carol wrote:

She’s YOUR sister. You tell me.

10:17 a.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

She’s living with you and isn’t a big texter. What’s she up to?

10:21 a.m. Carol wrote:

It’s a joy to talk with her over our morning coffees—which she happily does so long as the subject is anything other than why she’s back here, as then she will clam up immediately. Goes out on random days at random times, dressed either casually or very smart.

10:23 a.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

Where does she go?

10:25 a.m. Carol wrote:

She tells me what she wants me to know and until then I must accept she is an adult who does not owe me information about her life.

10:26 a.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

Does she take the bus or the train? Are you not curious where she’s going?

10:28 a.m. Carol wrote:

Of course I’m curious! Can you imagine how YOU’D feel if Harley went abroad after his A levels?

10:30 a.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

If he was offered a place at one of the world’s most prestigious dance schools like Nicky-Rose was, then I would swallow my devastation and pretend I was delighted.

10:34 a.m. Carol wrote:

Exactly. Now imagine twenty years pass by. Harley has built a life elsewhere without you. Then returns out of the blue. I can tell you now, you would be struck by how much of a stranger he is.

10:35 a.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

DO NOT patronize me.