‘Oh, Jemma-bear. You don’t want to be like me. Or at least not the me that I am at the moment. I’m angry, I’m bitter and I want to lash out. Right now, I feel as though I hate the world and everyone in it. I especially hate that Dr Steadman for being such a useless imbecile. I’m scared that I turned up at our old house, I’m scared that I left the shop unlocked, I’m scared that I shouted at Logan and accused him of stealing money that I’d forgotten I’d spent, and I’m scared that I yelled at you and threw a mug at the door which could easily have hit you. None of that is normal behaviour yet all he can say is that his investigations are “inconclusive”. What the bloody hell is “inconclusive” when it’s at home? Yet that stupid prick doesn’t seem to think I need a further appointment to get something that is conclusive. Where does that leave me? I just want to know what’s wrong with me because I’m worried that, as well as the Parkinson’s, there’s something else going on.’

Rachel and I exchanged looks. ‘What do you think might be wrong with you?’ I ventured, hoping it was the right thing to ask.

Mum shrugged. ‘Losing my marbles. Going doolally. It would be just my luck to have sodding dementia too.’

I glanced across at Rachel again but she widened her eyes and shook her head. I agreed. Mum was joking. It wasn’t up to me to suggest that perhaps she’d hit the nail on the head. I’d leave that to a medical professional. Like Sam.

‘Would you like a second opinion?’ I asked tentatively, scared she’d bite my head off again.

‘God, yes! Do you happen to know anyone who’s an expert in these matters?’

I paused for a moment. ‘Actually, I do…’

I’ve never picked my words so carefully in my life as I told her about Sam’s expertise. The last thing I wanted her to know was that I’d only met him in the first place because I was worried about her, or that we’d already discussed him doing an off the record consultation. I just hoped he was still willing to do that after he’d rushed off earlier.

Mum loved the idea. I left it that I’d call Sam later, telling Mum that there was no guarantee he’d be able to see her, but I’d do my best to arrange something.

After that, she apologised and said she was going to get some counselling to help her manage her anger. One of Rachel’s regular travel clients was a counsellor so Rachel was going to find out her areas of specialism. If she didn’t specialise in what Mum needed, they’d find someone else. Quickly.