‘Helps you calm down. It’s sensory. When you’ve been through things like you’ve been through, your senses can be raw . . . this way, the senses have a chance to be soothed.’

Forest nodded, rubbing the pillow’s sequins back and forth. ‘What do you want to know from me today?’

‘Nothing in particular. Whatever you want to tell me,’ said Frankie.

‘And if I still don’t want to talk about it?’ said Forest.

‘Well, I guess I’ll have to pick myself up off the floor from surprise. But that’s also fine. Things happen when they happen. We’ve got other things we can do. Breathing exercises. Special little personality tests that can tell us what job you might be good at when you grow up.’

‘Why would I need any other job? I’ll be running an abalone business.’

‘And that’s all you want to do?’

‘It’s what I’m supposed to do,’ said Forest. ‘Part of my legacy.’

‘Supposed to do,’ she repeated. ‘Are you looking forward to that?’

‘Of course,’ said Forest.

‘If I was you, I’d feel a bit trapped by that,’ said Frankie.

‘I’m used to being trapped . . .’

Frankie leaned forward so quick, Forest thought she would hurt herself.

Ah, trapped. He shouldn’t have said that.

‘What do you mean by trapped?’

‘Nothing,’ he said.

‘Do you feel reminded of that place when you’re in here?’

‘Yes,’ said Forest, refusing to make eye contact. ‘And it just sucks, because it makes me feel like I can’t trust you.’

‘Maybe we could go somewhere else?’ she said.

‘No,’ said Forest, ‘I’m liking these pillows . . .’

Frankie nodded, and said nothing else. She simply watched him, leaving a silence for him to fill.

Time for another approach. Forest leaned forward himself. ‘Sometimes . . . I keep thinking this is all part of the plan. That you’re just another test. Are you another test? Who are you working for?’

He saw her mouth press into a line for a brief moment, then she said, ‘I’m working for you, Forest. You’re safe now. I’m here to help you.’

Forest let the tears pool in his eyes and allowed them to roll down his cheeks. ‘Frankie, I really wish I could believe that.’

If those words rang with a greater peal of truth, well, so be it.

‘Let’s talk about something else, then,’ she said, instantly steering away from the topic. ‘Why don’t you tell me about the things you’ve enjoyed since you’ve been back.’

Forest paused. That was an unexpected question.

‘Honestly . . .’ he lied. ‘I really like the silk sheets.’

Frankie nodded and made a small affirming noise, as though saying keep going.