At that moment the curtain parts and Nurse Becky appears. She takes a step into the cubicle, acknowledges Honor with a hurried smile, pulls the curtain and goes over to the figure on the bed, where she checks the tubes and the stats on the machines.

‘The breakfast trolley won’t be round for a couple of hours but I can get you a cup of tea if you fancy?’

‘Thanks but don’t worry.’ She watches Becky going about her business. ‘Is she going to be all right?’

Nurse Becky presses her finger against her lips and gestures for Honor to step outside. Once they are beyond the cubicle curtains, she whispers, ‘People in comas can often hear voices.’

‘Of course, I’m sorry.’

‘The situation is really unpredictable. She’s stable for now, but the combination of alcohol and drugs is… If the organs begin shutting down it’s really difficult to reverse. And she could go into cardiac arrest. Terrible really. Such a lovely young woman.’

The nurse bites her lip then reaches out and rests a hand on Honor’s arm. ‘You might keep an eye on your daughter for a week or two?’ Nurse Becky glances at her watch. ‘Now, I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to leave. We need to run some tests.’

Downstairs, the café counter has opened and breakfast is being served. Nevis is sitting at a table, eyeing her phone.

‘How was she?’

‘Peaceful.’ Honor touches Nevis very lightly on the hand, ‘I know things have been difficult between us. I’ve done something to upset you and I wish you’d tell me what.’ Her eye is drawn to the double doors leading into the kitchen. A trolley appears and, following it, a woman in a hygiene cap and overalls.

‘Not now,’ Nevis says, withdrawing her hand and turning her attention to the kitchen porter as she stacks the trolley with used cutlery and crockery.

Honor wants to say, ‘Turn back to me,’ but her courage fails her. And besides, Nevis is right. Now is not the time.

‘I want you to know that I’m sorry. And whatever it is, we can fix it.’

Honor watches the double doors swinging back, the force of momentum creating a tiny pendulum motion before they finally close. ‘We should get something to eat.’

At the counter she orders Nevis poached eggs and one of those expensive coffees everyone seems to swoon over, and contents herself with tea and toast. She puts the tray on the table and puts the eggs and coffee in front of her daughter.