33 The Awakening
As Thom cradles Aunty Val on the sofa, the door blasts open. Richard rushes over to Aunty Val and wrestles her out of Thom’s arms. “What have you done to her?” he asks, shaking her gently. She is already stirring but keeps her eyes closed. Richard is staring at Thom like he is holding a knife covered with blood.
“We were just talking. She’s fine.”
“She doesn’t look fine,” Richard screeches.
“I didn’t hurt her, Richard,” Thom says, yet swallows heavily. Is he sure about that? He just told her about her recently deceased son knowing he was going to die? Surely that is hurting her, not physically, but nonetheless…
“I can’t believe the way you’re acting. You’re being exactly like him before he died.” Richard is stroking Aunty Val’s hair. She is mumbling but Thom can’t un
