Claudia knew, because she’d asked, that every patient dealt with it in their own way. For some the disfigurement wasn’t as bad as they’d imagined, while for others it was so much worse that they ended up on suicide watch. This was why the psychologist had spent so much time with Marcy lately, to help avoid post-traumatic symptoms developing into full-scale PTSD, but it was hard to tell how much Marcy had taken in given her reluctance to speak, or even to show any emotion.

Now, as Claudia got ready to leave the stables at Ash Morley, which had been her and Jasmine’s home since the fire, her mind was filled with the shock she’d experienced the first time her mother’s dressings had been removed in front of her. The scars had been so visibly inflamed, like a live disease ravaging one side of her lovely face, that she could only feel thankful that Marcy’s eyes had been closed. She wouldn’t have seen the horror that whitened Claudia’s cheeks, but she must have heard Jasmine’s gasp and strangled cry as she’d tried to stifle the shock. Marcy had never mentioned it, probably because she wouldn’t have wanted to make Jasmine feel bad, but that terrible moment must have fueled her own dread as cruelly as it had her imagination.

Hearing a knock on the door, Claudia went to answer, and found Leanne outside in the drizzling rain.

“I wondered if you’d like me to drive you to the hospital today?” Leanne suggested as Claudia stood aside for her to come in.

“That’s kind of you,” Claudia replied, turning back into the cozy kitchen where she’d failed to cook or even eat very much since they’d gotten here, “but I’ll be OK. It’s going to be a bit of a performance so I’m not sure how long I’ll be there.”

Regarding her worriedly, Leanne said, “Are you sure you’re up to this? You look exhausted.”

“I couldn’t let her go through it on her own. Even if she doesn’t say anything, or look at me, I think it’ll matter to her that I’m nearby.” She took a breath. “Jasmine texted just now to wish us luck. I keep asking myself if I did the right thing, persuading her to go to the first night of the Proms with your mum and Abby. I don’t want her to feel shut out, but it’s going to be hard enough for my mother without worrying about Jasmine’s reaction.”

“Jasmine understands that,” Leanne assured her, “and she’ll be back tomorrow. She can go to see her then.”