The receptionist greeted them brightly, passing a friendly comment with Max, who was fresh from school and munching on an apple. Again, Natalie wrote Irenya’s brief details on the small screen.
On the spur of the moment, Irenya made a request. ‘Would it be possible to see Mikey out in the courtyard? It’s a nice day.’ She refrained from adding that the interview room was claustrophobic and unpleasant.
‘Of course,’ the receptionist replied. ‘He’d probably like that. As long as the area’s not being used for exercises.’
On the same long walk as the previous day, Natalie murmured, ‘State Government is still trying to get people like Mike out into the community. Years ago, the statistics showed that 80% of the homeless were previously institutionalised. A spate of horrific murders forced the
