Annie could just about see the shocked expression on her daughter’s face, and she was sure her eyes were welling up. She didn’t want to see Sarah cry. She’d caused the girl enough tears, and didn’t want to hurt her any more. ‘Don’t cry, love. Find a man who really loves you. I’m sorry I wasn’t better.’

Annie closed her eyes. She could hear her breath making a strange noise. It was the death rattle, and she knew her time was nearly up. She could go now, leave the world she held in so much contempt, and know she’d made her peace with her daughter. She opened her eyes again, and focused on Sarah. The girl she’d created was so beautiful, almost like an angel. At last, it was time to let go.

Sarah felt her mother’s hand go limp. She looked into her eyes, but there was nothing there. It was as if the life had just gently slipped away from them, and she knew her mum had died.

Her mother had told her she loved her. Sarah had been so taken aback that she hadn’t answered. She’d wanted to tell her she loved her too, but now it was too late.

‘Ambulance service,’ a gruff voice said.

Sarah looked over her shoulder to see two uniformed men, and heard their heavy footsteps as they walked across the room.

She looked back at her dead mother, and gently reached across and closed her eyelids. ‘Oh, Mum, I wish things had been different,’ she whispered.

Then she felt one of the men pull her to her feet.

‘I’m sorry, we have to see to her,’ he said.

Sarah allowed herself to be led to the side of the room, and watched as the other man leaned over her mother’s body. She wasn’t surprised when he turned to his colleague and shook his head. She’d already known her mother was dead, and thought it was strange that she didn’t seem to feel any real emotion.

It was over. There was nothing more that could be said, or ever would be. One final thought passed through Sarah’s mind, and she quietly said, ‘Rest in peace, Mother. I hope you’ve finally found it.’

Chapter 15

The moment Mo opened her door to Sarah, she could see that something was troubling her new friend. ‘What’s wrong?’ she asked, urging her inside.

‘Where’s Tommy? I didn’t see him playing outside.’

‘He’s fine. He’s got a new best friend, Larry, and he’s gone to have tea with him. Don’t worry, it’s only three doors down.’

‘Thanks, Mo, and I’m sorry I’ve been gone so long.’