She gave me a small smile. Fine. But I know it’s only a matter of time before you ditch me for him. You’re going to want to move in together, and then where will I go?

Whoa, slow down. Remember how successful it was last time I moved in with a boyfriend? I’m in no hurry to do that again. It’s not even that serious with Max.

You’ve been together for nearly a year. That’s serious enough.

I shrugged, not in the mood for an in-depth conversation about my relationship with Max. He and I hadn’t discussed the future, and I was perfectly happy with things the way they were, so I wasn’t going to be the one to bring it up.

Is he staying over tonight? she asked, raising an eyebrow.

I rubbed my temples, hoping to dispel the headache I could feel forming. No, I’ll ask him not to. I’m too tired. It’s been a horrible day.

When are you going to tell him about Mike?

I’m not, I replied, giving her a warning look. And you’d better not, either.

I think it’s something you two should talk about.

I shook my head. Not now. I have too many other things going on in my head.

Anna narrowed her eyes at me. Like what? What else happened today?

I can’t talk about it, I said with a sigh. I was getting déjà vu, my mind flitting back to February. I hadn’t tried hard enough to stop Anna getting involved. This time I had to protect her, because I hadn’t protected her then.

That reminds me. I got a letter today, I told her. About the brain injury support group.

Anna rolled her eyes and leant back against the wall. Not this again. I don’t want to sit around in a room full of miserable people talking about how their lives were ruined.

I frowned. Do you feel like your life has been ruined?

No, no, I don’t. Honestly. She gave me a smile that looked more like a grimace as she battled to find the right words. But I don’t feel like the person I was before, if you see what I mean? Things have changed, the way I react to things and the way I function have changed. It’s like I’m learning to be me all over again. The earnest look on her face made me worry that I was forcing her to do something she wasn’t ready for.

That’s why I thought you should go to the support group, because there might be other people with similar experiences who’ll understand what you’re going through, I explained. I can do my best to support you, but I don’t know what it’s like to be in the position you’re in.