‘There’s a condition called Wernicke’s encephalopathy, and it’s caused by a lack of vitamin B, in particular thiamine. It’s found most commonly in people suffering from malnutrition, often resulting from alcoholism.’

‘But Finn’s not malnourished,’ Robin begins, then he stops. He remembers Sophie’s words about Finn not eating properly, knows his own worry when he first saw his friend’s gaunt appearance.

‘It might have resulted from as little as two to three weeks of unbalanced nutrition. Coupled with Finn’s drinking and probable vomiting, it’s likely this has occurred.’

‘What does it mean?’ Robin asks. ‘You can treat it, right?’

‘Caught early, yes. But Wernicke’s in alcoholics is commonly associated with another condition called Korsakoff’s syndrome, and given Finn’s amnesia… I’m sorry, Robin. But if he has Korsakoff’s he may have some permanent damage to his brain.’

Robin’s hands go to his mouth and he leans back against the wall, stunned. ‘They said it was psychological,’ he manages after a pause. ‘That all Finn needed was time.’

‘Sadly, in this case, time was the one thing Finn didn’t have,’ Steph says. ‘They’ll know more once they’ve done some more tests. A repeat MRI will show the extent of the possible damage to Finn’s brain. And you never know, he might respond to the thiamine.’

‘But he might not,’ Robin says.

Steph places a reassuring hand on his arm, then leans forward and wraps her arms round him. Robin leans into the hug, resting his chin on the top of her head, his eyes closed.

‘No,’ Steph says, from Robin’s chest. ‘He might not.’

61

Potentially irreversible brain damage. Might never be able to form new memories. Freya feels like an intruder as she listens to the pale-faced doctor explain the situation to Josie and Sophie.

All from a lack of vitamin B? Freya can barely comprehend how things have gone so wrong. Missed because nobody thought to ask for the right blood tests. A nurse arrives with a bag of fluids in her hand and hurriedly links it up to Finn’s cannula. A new MRI needs to be scheduled; calls made to a neurologist. Clinical psychology, occupational therapy – everything seems to be happening now.

The doctor leaves and Josie slumps at Finn’s side, holding his hand. Finn is sitting up in bed; to Freya, he doesn’t seem to have understood. He’s inattentive, apathetic to what’s going on around him. Sophie’s moved backwards against the wall, pale, standing with her hands over her face. Then she turns and walks out, past Freya.

Freya hesitates for a second, then follows her. She doesn’t know Sophie, only what Robin’s told her, but she shouldn’t be alone.