James invites Sophie to dinner at an elegant Italian restaurant in the city. As the young woman steps out of the house, Helen blocks her path.
They say only a diamond can polish a diamond the professor remarks enigmatically.
Excuse me…? I don’t follow.
You’re still young the woman smiles. Trust me, people don’t fall in love just once in their lives.
Professor Helen, I promise nothing is going on between me and James.
Not yet, perhaps. But that doesn’t mean it stays that way. Don’t shut your heart away, Sophie. Life has a way of surprising you and sometimes the biggest joys arrive when you expect them least.
Have you ever…?
Well… George wasn’t my first love Helen replies steadily, a trace of old memories flickering in her eyes. I once cared for someone else. I believed I wouldn’t survive the parting, that I couldn’t draw breath without him. Then George arrived. Everything shifted. I felt happy. Truly happy. That’s why I keep telling you don’t close yourself off. Love might be nearer than you imagine.
I always assumed Uncle George was your first love…
He wasn’t my first, and I wasn’t his. But I can say this: you never forget your first love.
Sophie sighs softly, thanks her for the talk, and heads to the car waiting outside the house where James sits.
As soon as she departs, Margaret steps onto the porch. She fixes Helen with a chilly smile.
Have you decided to step in as Sophie’s new mother? Guiding her on romance, sharing tales you’ve never told me.
I did it for Victoria Helen answers without a moment’s pause. Because only one thing can truly split Sophie and Edward apart for good.
What do you mean exactly?
Sophie’s love for someone else Helen says evenly yet firmly.
***
Lily, shattered after her talk with William, wanders without direction down the center of the road. Her face looks drained, her eyes vacant she seems blind to everything around her.
She fails to spot the oncoming car.
Tires screech. A thud.
Shouts ring out, someone rings for an ambulance.
Lily lies still on the pavement. Bystanders cluster around her. One woman leans down, feeling for a pulse.
Can you hear me, love? Hello?!
No reply. Lily stays motionless.
***
Catherine nears the woodland clearing where Thomas waits in the dim light among the trees. His form merges with the shadows, yet his stare remains cold and demanding.
Here’s two million pounds the woman says flatly, passing him a leather bag crammed with cash.
The view shifts to Elizabeth. She trailed Catherine from the house, following with resolve. Now concealed in thick undergrowth barely ten meters off, she watches in shock.
Thomas… and that cash… That’s my money! she whispers, barely holding her feelings in check. Watching Thomas tally the notes, fury flashes in her eyes. The nerve… she pulls out her phone and starts filming the scene from cover.
Thomas finishes counting. A sinister grin spreads across his face.
That’s everything. Will you leave us be at last? Catherine asks, strain edging her tone.
A snap of a breaking twig cuts the quiet.
Thomas whirls at once.
Hear that? Someone’s out there. I said come alone!
I did come alone! Catherine replies anxiously. No one came with me, I swear.
Thomas doubts her. He edges carefully toward the sound. A few paces on, he parts some branches and spots Elizabeth clutching the phone.
Rage lights his eyes. He draws a knife from his pocket.
Looks like we’ve got a watcher… he says icily. You know, getting too nosy can land you in deep trouble.
Elizabeth backs up a step, fighting to steady her trembling hands.
Thomas, leave her Catherine snaps. Don’t be a fool.
Show me what’s in your bag Thomas orders Elizabeth.
Stay away from me! she protests.
Tell me! Why are you here?! Catherine cuts in.
What’s happening?! What are you scheming?! Elizabeth bursts out. I’m recording it all! I’m calling the police straight away!
We’re not scheming! Catherine yells. He was blackmailing me! Threatened to kill William and Grace. That’s why I paid him!
Elizabeth reaches into her bag for the phone.
I’m ringing the police right now to report this.
DON’T EVEN TRY! Thomas roars, lifting the knife. Or I’ll kill you!
HELP! SOMEBODY! Elizabeth screams, attempting to flee.
THOMAS, PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER! Catherine shouts, rushing toward him.
But the man has lost control. He shoves Catherine hard, sending her sprawling to the ground.
He fixes his wild stare on Elizabeth, who shakes with fear.
I’ll start with you he snarls. Then William will show up. He’ll find you covered in blood. And I’ll finish him too!
Thomas raises the knife to strike. Elizabeth cries out, trying to shield herself. The blade draws close, but she seizes his wrist at the final instant. They grapple, battling for each motion and breath. Shouts, labored gasps, the strain builds…
Suddenly Elizabeth twists sharply the blade spins in their locked grips and drives straight into Thomas’s chest.
The man halts. Shock crosses his face, followed by a wince of pain. A choked sound escapes him, as though he meant to speak, but he never does. He crumples to the earth like a severed string.
Catherine stands frozen. She steps forward, her hands quivering as she presses two fingers to his neck. Quiet.
He’s… gone she says softly, white as chalk. Gone…
Oh God… OH GOD! Elizabeth erupts. It wasn’t me! It wasn’t meant to happen! It was an accident! she clutches her head, spiraling into panic. Call an ambulance! He might still be alive! DO SOMETHING!
Be quiet! Catherine hisses, seizing her shoulders and shaking her. Stop yelling! Do you want everyone to hear?! Do you want prison?!
Prison?! Elizabeth sobs. But it wasn’t on purpose… You saw, I was defending myself! I’m no killer!
Truth won’t count! Catherine locks eyes with her. The police won’t buy it! And if this leaks… folks will say William’s mother is a murderer!
I’M NO MURDERER! Elizabeth protests in despair. Ambulance! Police! We have to act!
Mrs. Elizabeth, please… Catherine’s voice turns pleading yet steady. Get a grip. No one has to learn of this. Nothing took place. Do you follow? NOTHING. TOOK. PLACE.
But he’s… he’s there… Elizabeth trembles from head to toe.
We can’t help him now. But you can still help yourself. Come. He’s done. We’re alive. That’s all that matters at this moment.
Catherine wraps her arms around her tightly, as if forcing the world to hold together. She guides Elizabeth slowly through the dense woods, away from the scene. Behind them, amid the leaves, Thomas’s body lies unmoving. His hand still grips the knife.
The secret the woods have claimed may never reach daylight.
***
William, called urgently by Grace, bursts into the house out of breath. He stops short in the doorway, seeing her with a suitcase by the entrance. Her face is pale, eyes damp, but her look is set.
I’m going she says quietly, brushing a brief, nearly silent kiss on his cheek. I don’t want to get in the way of you or your mum anymore. Goodbye, William. Be happy.
Grace, what are you on about? he stares in disbelief. How does my mum fit in?
She knows… about that night. About everything between us.
William turns his head, running a hand through his hair and rubbing his neck.
Blast… How did she find out?
She read the letter I left the day I… when I took the pills.
Hold on his brows knit. You told me it wasn’t suicide…
I said that to spare you. I didn’t want you fretting. But your mum doesn’t want me around. She’s scared you’ll marry me. And… she offered us money. Me and my mum. To make me leave.
William gapes at her, stunned.
What?! She gave you MONEY?
Yes. But we turned it down. I’d never take it. So now… I’m leaving. It’ll be easier on everyone.
Grace, you’re staying put he grabs the suitcase and pushes it aside. I won’t let this happen. I won’t let you vanish from my life.
I’ve no choice, William. Can’t you see? My mum knows it all now too. She said I’ve wrecked my life and… she’d rather die than hear it. If we don’t marry, she won’t leave you alone. And your mum loathes me. Aunt Elizabeth treats me like I’m tainted. No one wants me here. Leaving is the only way you all get any peace.
William draws close and meets her gaze directly.
Grace… I’m not abandoning you. We’ll sort it out. Your mum will settle, mine will too. She’ll come round in time. We can handle it.
William… she murmurs, a flicker of hope in her eyes. So that means… we’ll marry?
A thick silence settles. Grace watches him tensely, as though her entire life hinges on this one instant, this one reply.
William clasps her hand. And in Grace’s mind like a waking dream the words she longs to hear echo. Words she has dreamed of by night, carried in her heart, that kept her hoping:
After that night I couldn’t stop thinking of you. I fell for you, Grace. You’re in my thoughts, in my heart. I see you everywhere. I love you. Marry me. Be my wife.
Yet that’s only in her head. The real William beside her utters none of it. When he finally speaks, his tone is flat and detached:
Of course we won’t marry, Grace. We can’t. Something like that… never will.
The silence after cuts deeper than any shouts. Grace drops her head, sets her lips tight, then lifts the suitcase with deliberate slowness. Her quiet says more than tears ever could.
***
Edward stands off to one side, speaking on the phone with Michael. At the same time Victoria leans on the car, also chatting, her voice strained as her eyes dart nervously after Edward’s every move.
Mum, tell me straight she says into the phone, worried. Edward’s been on calls nonstop. It’s Sophie, isn’t it? He’s in touch with her?
No, love. Sophie stayed with me the whole time. I didn’t hear her speak to anyone her mother replies calmly from the other end.
Mum, if you’re just trying to soothe me…
For heaven’s sake, it’s the truth! Sophie headed out with James to that new Italian restaurant. I suggested it to them myself.
A sly grin flickers on Victoria’s face, subtle yet satisfied. She ends the call and slips back into her brightest smile as though nothing happened. When Edward returns to the car, she says brightly:
Darling, I’m suddenly famished. I’ve got a real urge for spaghetti! I heard a new Italian place opened near home. Shall we try it?
Edward glances at her, surprised.
You said you steer clear of carbs like poison. That they’re bad for you.
Oh darling, bodies sometimes need a carb boost, didn’t you know? she laughs lightly, patting her belly. Anyway… the moment I said spaghetti, the baby kicked! I reckon she fancies some too.
She holds his gaze, as if issuing a challenge. And in her smile lies more than hunger a hint of the game she means to play through to the finish.
***
James and Sophie pull up at the elegant restaurant. Before they can enter, a courteous waiter approaches and smiles, nodding to James.
Welcome back, Mr. James. Your usual table awaits.
Sophie lifts her brows, taken aback.
So you’ve been here before?
I come often with the boss James answers lightly, though his eyes shift aside.
I thought you were the boss she observes with a faint smile. Given the greeting…
Perhaps because I’m the one who leaves the tips. The boss skips such details. That’s why they value me more here.
They settle at a quiet table. James sneaks a look at Sophie’s neck. The necklace on her chest gleams under the lamps. He needs to get it. An exact copy already sits in his jacket pocket. He just needs the right chance to swap them.
Sophie, hold on… Your necklace has slid. It’ll drop any second.
He rises, moves behind her, and rests his hands gently on her shoulders to reach the clasp. He works to stay composed, even as his pulse quickens.
Just then the restaurant doors swing open and Edward and Victoria walk in. Victoria smiles in triumph their timing could not be better. Edward freezes where he stands. The sight of James so near Sophie, touching her neck, stirs a surge of jealousy and rage in him.
The necklace slips free and hits the floor. James reaches for it, but Edward beats him to it. He snatches it up and holds it tight.
The necklace stays with me he says sharply, eyes fixed on James.
What? Why? Sophie asks, rising from her seat in surprise.
Edward pulls a photo from his pocket, one he took earlier from James’s house. He sets it on the table before Sophie.
Because you were right he says calmly, though tension strains his voice. This is the necklace of the girl who killed Sarah.
Sophie leans over the picture. It shows a blonde woman with her face neatly cut away. Around her neck hangs the same necklace Sophie wore.
This… it’s identical! Sophie whispers, shocked. But why cut out her face?
I don’t know Edward replies, meeting her eyes. But this I do: that woman was in the car when my sister died. And someone is desperate to hide who she was.
A heavy quiet descends, thick as a gathering storm. James stays silent, yet worry shows on his face. Sophie stares at the photo, trying to grasp what she has been pulled into.
***
Lily slowly comes to in the hospital bed. Under the fluorescent lights she squints. A doctor bends over her, carefully parting her eyelids and shining a light into her pupils.
What’s your name, dear? he asks steadily, though strain shows in his voice.
Lily glances about. Her eyes roam the room as if seeing it anew.
I… don’t know she answers, confused and breathing quicker. Where am I?
What day is today? the doctor presses.
Lily frowns, shuts her eyes as if reaching for something key.
Tuesday…? No, wait… maybe Sunday? She sits upright. Oh God! I must get to the market! My sister will be back from school and hungry. Please, let me go! I need to get there before dark!
She tries to rise, but the doctor and nurse hold her back at once, pressing her down gently yet firmly.
Steady, you’re safe. The doctor keeps his tone soft. Tell me, what year is it?
Year? Lily attempts an answer, but her face twists with pain and panic. Two thousand twenty? No… two thousand nineteen? God, I can’t remember! She grips her head, tears filling her eyes. I remember nothing! But I know I have to return to the village. I have to gather mushrooms. Mum and my sister are waiting… They’re hungry. Let me go, please!
Her voice cracks, despair filling her eyes. The doctor shoots a quick look at the nurse, then says quietly:
I’ll contact Professor Thompson from the psychiatric department. We must see to her state at once.
Yes, doctor the nurse replies. I’ll administer a sedative.
Gently now the doctor adds, watching Lily with care. She’s not pretending. She’s lost. And terribly frightened.James invites Sophie to dinner at an elegant Italian restaurant in the city. As the young woman steps out of the house, Helen blocks her path.
They say only a diamond can polish a diamond the professor remarks enigmatically.
Excuse me…? I don’t follow.
You’re still young the woman smiles. Trust me, people don’t fall in love just once in their lives.
Professor Helen, I promise nothing is going on between me and James.
Not yet, perhaps. But that doesn’t mean it stays that way. Don’t shut your heart away, Sophie. Life has a way of surprising you and sometimes the biggest joys arrive when you expect them least.
Have you ever…?
Well… George wasn’t my first love Helen replies steadily, a trace of old memories flickering in her eyes. I once cared for someone else. I believed I wouldn’t survive the parting, that I couldn’t draw breath without him. Then George arrived. Everything shifted. I felt happy. Truly happy. That’s why I keep telling you don’t close yourself off. Love might be nearer than you imagine.
I always assumed Uncle George was your first love…
He wasn’t my first, and I wasn’t his. But I can say this: you never forget your first love.
Sophie sighs softly, thanks her for the talk, and heads to the car waiting outside the house where James sits.
As soon as she departs, Margaret steps onto the porch. She fixes Helen with a chilly smile.
Have you decided to step in as Sophie’s new mother? Guiding her on romance, sharing tales you’ve never told me.
I did it for Victoria Helen answers without a moment’s pause. Because only one thing can truly split Sophie and Edward apart for good.
What do you mean exactly?
Sophie’s love for someone else Helen says evenly yet firmly.
***
Lily, shattered after her talk with William, wanders without direction down the center of the road. Her face looks drained, her eyes vacant she seems blind to everything around her.
She fails to spot the oncoming car.
Tires screech. A thud.
Shouts ring out, someone rings for an ambulance.
Lily lies still on the pavement. Bystanders cluster around her. One woman leans down, feeling for a pulse.
Can you hear me, love? Hello?!
No reply. Lily stays motionless.
***
Catherine nears the woodland clearing where Thomas waits in the dim light among the trees. His form merges with the shadows, yet his stare remains cold and demanding.
Here’s two million pounds the woman says flatly, passing him a leather bag crammed with cash.
The view shifts to Elizabeth. She trailed Catherine from the house, following with resolve. Now concealed in thick undergrowth barely ten meters off, she watches in shock.
Thomas… and that cash… That’s my money! she whispers, barely holding her feelings in check. Watching Thomas tally the notes, fury flashes in her eyes. The nerve… she pulls out her phone and starts filming the scene from cover.
Thomas finishes counting. A sinister grin spreads across his face.
That’s everything. Will you leave us be at last? Catherine asks, strain edging her tone.
A snap of a breaking twig cuts the quiet.
Thomas whirls at once.
Hear that? Someone’s out there. I said come alone!
I did come alone! Catherine replies anxiously. No one came with me, I swear.
Thomas doubts her. He edges carefully toward the sound. A few paces on, he parts some branches and spots Elizabeth clutching the phone.
Rage lights his eyes. He draws a knife from his pocket.
Looks like we’ve got a watcher… he says icily. You know, getting too nosy can land you in deep trouble.
Elizabeth backs up a step, fighting to steady her trembling hands.
Thomas, leave her Catherine snaps. Don’t be a fool.
Show me what’s in your bag Thomas orders Elizabeth.
Stay away from me! she protests.
Tell me! Why are you here?! Catherine cuts in.
What’s happening?! What are you scheming?! Elizabeth bursts out. I’m recording it all! I’m calling the police straight away!
We’re not scheming! Catherine yells. He was blackmailing me! Threatened to kill William and Grace. That’s why I paid him!
Elizabeth reaches into her bag for the phone.
I’m ringing the police right now to report this.
DON’T EVEN TRY! Thomas roars, lifting the knife. Or I’ll kill you!
HELP! SOMEBODY! Elizabeth screams, attempting to flee.
THOMAS, PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER! Catherine shouts, rushing toward him.
But the man has lost control. He shoves Catherine hard, sending her sprawling to the ground.
He fixes his wild stare on Elizabeth, who shakes with fear.
I’ll start with you he snarls. Then William will show up. He’ll find you covered in blood. And I’ll finish him too!
Thomas raises the knife to strike. Elizabeth cries out, trying to shield herself. The blade draws close, but she seizes his wrist at the final instant. They grapple, battling for each motion and breath. Shouts, labored gasps, the strain builds…
Suddenly Elizabeth twists sharply the blade spins in their locked grips and drives straight into Thomas’s chest.
The man halts. Shock crosses his face, followed by a wince of pain. A choked sound escapes him, as though he meant to speak, but he never does. He crumples to the earth like a severed string.
Catherine stands frozen. She steps forward, her hands quivering as she presses two fingers to his neck. Quiet.
He’s… gone she says softly, white as chalk. Gone…
Oh God… OH GOD! Elizabeth erupts. It wasn’t me! It wasn’t meant to happen! It was an accident! she clutches her head, spiraling into panic. Call an ambulance! He might still be alive! DO SOMETHING!
Be quiet! Catherine hisses, seizing her shoulders and shaking her. Stop yelling! Do you want everyone to hear?! Do you want prison?!
Prison?! Elizabeth sobs. But it wasn’t on purpose… You saw, I was defending myself! I’m no killer!
Truth won’t count! Catherine locks eyes with her. The police won’t buy it! And if this leaks… folks will say William’s mother is a murderer!
I’M NO MURDERER! Elizabeth protests in despair. Ambulance! Police! We have to act!
Mrs. Elizabeth, please… Catherine’s voice turns pleading yet steady. Get a grip. No one has to learn of this. Nothing took place. Do you follow? NOTHING. TOOK. PLACE.
But he’s… he’s there… Elizabeth trembles from head to toe.
We can’t help him now. But you can still help yourself. Come. He’s done. We’re alive. That’s all that matters at this moment.
Catherine wraps her arms around her tightly, as if forcing the world to hold together. She guides Elizabeth slowly through the dense woods, away from the scene. Behind them, amid the leaves, Thomas’s body lies unmoving. His hand still grips the knife.
The secret the woods have claimed may never reach daylight.
***
William, called urgently by Grace, bursts into the house out of breath. He stops short in the doorway, seeing her with a suitcase by the entrance. Her face is pale, eyes damp, but her look is set.
I’m going she says quietly, brushing a brief, nearly silent kiss on his cheek. I don’t want to get in the way of you or your mum anymore. Goodbye, William. Be happy.
Grace, what are you on about? he stares in disbelief. How does my mum fit in?
She knows… about that night. About everything between us.
William turns his head, running a hand through his hair and rubbing his neck.
Blast… How did she find out?
She read the letter I left the day I… when I took the pills.
Hold on his brows knit. You told me it wasn’t suicide…
I said that to spare you. I didn’t want you fretting. But your mum doesn’t want me around. She’s scared you’ll marry me. And… she offered us money. Me and my mum. To make me leave.
William gapes at her, stunned.
What?! She gave you MONEY?
Yes. But we turned it down. I’d never take it. So now… I’m leaving. It’ll be easier on everyone.
Grace, you’re staying put he grabs the suitcase and pushes it aside. I won’t let this happen. I won’t let you vanish from my life.
I’ve no choice, William. Can’t you see? My mum knows it all now too. She said I’ve wrecked my life and… she’d rather die than hear it. If we don’t marry, she won’t leave you alone. And your mum loathes me. Aunt Elizabeth treats me like I’m tainted. No one wants me here. Leaving is the only way you all get any peace.
William draws close and meets her gaze directly.
Grace… I’m not abandoning you. We’ll sort it out. Your mum will settle, mine will too. She’ll come round in time. We can handle it.
William… she murmurs, a flicker of hope in her eyes. So that means… we’ll marry?
A thick silence settles. Grace watches him tensely, as though her entire life hinges on this one instant, this one reply.
William clasps her hand. And in Grace’s mind like a waking dream the words she longs to hear echo. Words she has dreamed of by night, carried in her heart, that kept her hoping:
After that night I couldn’t stop thinking of you. I fell for you, Grace. You’re in my thoughts, in my heart. I see you everywhere. I love you. Marry me. Be my wife.
Yet that’s only in her head. The real William beside her utters none of it. When he finally speaks, his tone is flat and detached:
Of course we won’t marry, Grace. We can’t. Something like that… never will.
The silence after cuts deeper than any shouts. Grace drops her head, sets her lips tight, then lifts the suitcase with deliberate slowness. Her quiet says more than tears ever could.
***
Edward stands off to one side, speaking on the phone with Michael. At the same time Victoria leans on the car, also chatting, her voice strained as her eyes dart nervously after Edward’s every move.
Mum, tell me straight she says into the phone, worried. Edward’s been on calls nonstop. It’s Sophie, isn’t it? He’s in touch with her?
No, love. Sophie stayed with me the whole time. I didn’t hear her speak to anyone her mother replies calmly from the other end.
Mum, if you’re just trying to soothe me…
For heaven’s sake, it’s the truth! Sophie headed out with James to that new Italian restaurant. I suggested it to them myself.
A sly grin flickers on Victoria’s face, subtle yet satisfied. She ends the call and slips back into her brightest smile as though nothing happened. When Edward returns to the car, she says brightly:
Darling, I’m suddenly famished. I’ve got a real urge for spaghetti! I heard a new Italian place opened near home. Shall we try it?
Edward glances at her, surprised.
You said you steer clear of carbs like poison. That they’re bad for you.
Oh darling, bodies sometimes need a carb boost, didn’t you know? she laughs lightly, patting her belly. Anyway… the moment I said spaghetti, the baby kicked! I reckon she fancies some too.
She holds his gaze, as if issuing a challenge. And in her smile lies more than hunger a hint of the game she means to play through to the finish.
***
James and Sophie pull up at the elegant restaurant. Before they can enter, a courteous waiter approaches and smiles, nodding to James.
Welcome back, Mr. James. Your usual table awaits.
Sophie lifts her brows, taken aback.
So you’ve been here before?
I come often with the boss James answers lightly, though his eyes shift aside.
I thought you were the boss she observes with a faint smile. Given the greeting…
Perhaps because I’m the one who leaves the tips. The boss skips such details. That’s why they value me more here.
They settle at a quiet table. James sneaks a look at Sophie’s neck. The necklace on her chest gleams under the lamps. He needs to get it. An exact copy already sits in his jacket pocket. He just needs the right chance to swap them.
Sophie, hold on… Your necklace has slid. It’ll drop any second.
He rises, moves behind her, and rests his hands gently on her shoulders to reach the clasp. He works to stay composed, even as his pulse quickens.
Just then the restaurant doors swing open and Edward and Victoria walk in. Victoria smiles in triumph their timing could not be better. Edward freezes where he stands. The sight of James so near Sophie, touching her neck, stirs a surge of jealousy and rage in him.
The necklace slips free and hits the floor. James reaches for it, but Edward beats him to it. He snatches it up and holds it tight.
The necklace stays with me he says sharply, eyes fixed on James.
What? Why? Sophie asks, rising from her seat in surprise.
Edward pulls a photo from his pocket, one he took earlier from James’s house. He sets it on the table before Sophie.
Because you were right he says calmly, though tension strains his voice. This is the necklace of the girl who killed Sarah.
Sophie leans over the picture. It shows a blonde woman with her face neatly cut away. Around her neck hangs the same necklace Sophie wore.
This… it’s identical! Sophie whispers, shocked. But why cut out her face?
I don’t know Edward replies, meeting her eyes. But this I do: that woman was in the car when my sister died. And someone is desperate to hide who she was.
A heavy quiet descends, thick as a gathering storm. James stays silent, yet worry shows on his face. Sophie stares at the photo, trying to grasp what she has been pulled into.
***
Lily slowly comes to in the hospital bed. Under the fluorescent lights she squints. A doctor bends over her, carefully parting her eyelids and shining a light into her pupils.
What’s your name, dear? he asks steadily, though strain shows in his voice.
Lily glances about. Her eyes roam the room as if seeing it anew.
I… don’t know she answers, confused and breathing quicker. Where am I?
What day is today? the doctor presses.
Lily frowns, shuts her eyes as if reaching for something key.
Tuesday…? No, wait… maybe Sunday? She sits upright. Oh God! I must get to the market! My sister will be back from school and hungry. Please, let me go! I need to get there before dark!
She tries to rise, but the doctor and nurse hold her back at once, pressing her down gently yet firmly.
Steady, you’re safe. The doctor keeps his tone soft. Tell me, what year is it?
Year? Lily attempts an answer, but her face twists with pain and panic. Two thousand twenty? No… two thousand nineteen? God, I can’t remember! She grips her head, tears filling her eyes. I remember nothing! But I know I have to return to the village. I have to gather mushrooms. Mum and my sister are waiting… They’re hungry. Let me go, please!
Her voice cracks, despair filling her eyes. The doctor shoots a quick look at the nurse, then says quietly:
I’ll contact Professor Thompson from the psychiatric department. We must see to her state at once.
Yes, doctor the nurse replies. I’ll administer a sedative.
Gently now the doctor adds, watching Lily with care. She’s not pretending. She’s lost. And terribly frightened.
