‘It’s only been a couple of days,’ Jen says, who’s in the cubicle too. Her eyes dart to Amber then away again. She goes to the other side of the bed and checks the dressing on Lumin’s head as she smiles. ‘The good news is, you’re doing really well in terms of your head injury. The stitches are healing nicely and the swelling is completely down so we’ll be taking this dressing off today. I think you’re ready to move on now, maybe even tomorrow.’

She’s saying it in a bright voice but Lumin’s having none of it. ‘To the fruit loop ward?’ she spits, crossing her arms.

‘Now that’s not very nice, Lumin,’ Jen says. ‘The ward is fine. You will have your own private room and trust me, the intensive sessions will have you remembering things in no time, I guarantee it.’

Lumin’s nostrils flare and she looks away.

‘Is there an outpatient option?’ Amber suddenly asks. ‘What about if she stays with me and comes here each day for treatment? I can walk her in.’

Lumin looks at Amber, eyes hopeful.

‘But you have a one-bed flat, right?’ Jen asks, taking in her paint-splattered jeans. ‘And I overheard you saying you’re busy with your shop …’

Amber looks at her in surprise. ‘How do you know about the size of my flat?’ she says, ignoring the nurse’s comment about the shop. Truth is, her heart hasn’t been in it. She’s finished painting the red hut now, but hasn’t even attempted the others. Her hand is aching more than ever with the freezing temperatures and she’s wanted to visit Amber as much as she can. At least it will stand out, one bright red hut sticking out like a sore thumb against the other two.

Jen’s cheeks flush. ‘I’m just saying, there won’t be any space for Lumin in a small flat.’

‘I have a pull-out bed.’

‘Not very comfortable,’ Jen retorts.

‘I’ll sleep in it. Lumin can have my very comfortable king-size bed, the same bed I used to share with my husband, Jasper.’ She knows it’s childish to add that but she still feels a sense of satisfaction reminding this woman who clearly has a crush on Jasper that Amber was the one who was married to him.

‘You’re married to that blond doctor?’ Lumin asks in surprise.

‘Not any more,’ Jen shoots back, crossing her arms.

Lumin laughs. ‘You two sound like you’re fighting over a piece of cake.’

Jen’s face flushes and Amber shakes her head, realising just how childish things were getting. This is about Lumin, not Jasper and his new girlfriend.