‘Listen to me.’ Bloom waited for Karene to look her way. ‘You know very well what you are to him. Lyle’s advised you not to tell him what he’s missed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help him to remember. The brain is still a great mystery. Who knows what might trigger his memories: your voice, your touch, even just your presence.’

‘He might never remember.’

‘True. But despite what you saw in that room, you know how he felt about his wife’s betrayal. That won’t have changed. She still did that and he’s still going to find out.’

Karene took a deep breath. ‘I know.’

‘And then he’ll need you. He’ll need someone on his side. A lot of trauma is coming his way. I mean, how old are his children now?’

‘Seventeen and fourteen.’

‘So they’d have been thirteen and ten when he last remembers seeing them. That’s a big age difference. He’ll feel like he’s missed so much.’

‘But he didn’t. He’s been amazing with them. He really stepped up when their mum left.’

‘They know that and you know that. So he’ll need you with him.’

‘What am I supposed to say?’

‘I don’t know. I’m not sure it matters. Talk about the weather. Ask him how he’s feeling. Anything. Just be there.’

Karene sat a little straighter. ‘OK,’ she said. ‘I can do that.’

19

When Caroline had left, Karene went back into Harry’s room.

‘Is it OK if I keep you company?’ she asked, her tone deliberately light.

He shuffled up in the bed, his hospital gown gaping to reveal his tanned torso. Karene felt a pang of longing and averted her eyes.

‘Sure,’ he said. ‘Grab a seat. Caroline said you’re a friend of hers?’ The colour had returned to his cheeks and an alertness to his eyes.

‘I’m not sure I’d call us friends, but I’ve known her for a year or so.’

Harry’s smile creased around his eyes. ‘I hear you. She can be a hard person to befriend.’

Karene felt a twinge of hope. Maybe he didn’t love Caroline after all. ‘She can be a little high maintenance,’ Karene said, hoping for confirmation.

‘At times, maybe, but she means well. She keeps things together. They’re my world, her and the kids.’

Karene knew she was staring too intensely but she couldn’t bring herself to look away.

‘Are you a doctor too?’

He didn’t seem to notice her distress. ‘Psychologist.’ She wasn’t sure she could do this. How could she listen to him talk about his wife in this way? It was too hard. ‘Sorry, would you excuse me?’ She went to stand but he interrupted.