Micky came back to the flat. ‘Sharif, is the coast clear, mate?’ he called out, letting himself back in. He went to Sharif’s bedroom, and took in the scene from the door. ‘Aww, mate,’ he said helplessly. He would later remember, with no little shame, that he stood there in shock for a full minute before he ran to the phone to call an ambulance.

Confessions Across a Hospital Bed

PARVEZ AND SHONA faced each other across Sharif’s bed in St George’s hospital. His stomach had been pumped, and he looked bruised and horrible, with a drip trailing out of him. ‘He’s so still. Why is he so still, if they say he’s not in a coma?’ Shona asked, holding her son’s hand carefully, so as not to displace the needle which was taped into his veins.

‘He’s just passed out, they said he’ll come round soon,’ Parvez said soothingly. He added, ‘It will probably hurt too much for him not to come round. The anaesthetic will wear off soon.’

‘We were so lucky he threw up some of it first, we were so lucky that Micky was there,’ Shona said. ‘I can’t believe I let this happen, it’s all my fault.’

’This isn’t your fault, Shona,’ Parvez said wearily.

‘You’re a saint not to blame me, but I still blame myself. Sharif will blame me when he wakes up, and he’ll be right to. I should have told him the truth.’

‘It wasn’t your secret to tell,’ Parvez said simply. They sat in silence for a few minutes, with nothing but the flimsy pale curtains hanging around the bed of their frail, pale son to separate them from the rest of the bustling hospital ward. Parvez broke the silence. ‘How’s the flat? Rashid’s flat in Clapham, I mean. Are you quite comfortable there?’

Shona sighed at this polite attempt at small talk. ‘Yes, thank you. It’s quite comfortable. How’s the house?’

Parvez shrugged. ‘Quiet. Big. I’m rattling around in there. At least I’ve got the dog, although she’s become a bit quiet recently, too. I guess she misses you.’

Shona nodded. ‘I miss her too, but it wouldn’t be fair to take her to the flat, she needs a garden to run around in.’

‘Is that all you miss?’ Parvez asked curiously, without bitterness. ‘Just the dog?’ He cleared his throat, and then spoke quickly. ‘Shona, I want to say something. I know this isn’t the right time or place, but I really don’t know when the right time or place would be. Do you remember how I said that I didn’t want you leaving, and that I’d forgive you, and we should stay together and try and work it out …’

’Parvez, please …’ Shona started.