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Esther did her best to soldier on as normal at work while she waited the two weeks for surgery. Treatment times were fine because the clients didn’t know there was anything wrong, but lunchtimes echoed with loneliness. By now the other therapists knew she’d soon be away for an extended time, and why. Their interactions with her were awkward. Long silences interrupted by clipped, business-like conversations, and avoiding eye contact. Sue was the only one with whom she could talk easily, perhaps because she’d been part of the journey from early on.
Every day Esther continued to pray. She prayed in the morning and before bed. She prayed in the shower and at work. She prayed while she cycled to work, or jogged around the block or swam laps. She slammed the door on any doubt. When her fath
