Page 169 of The Silent Appeal

Subject: Hiya!

Hiya Amelia!

How are you today? Were you discharged like the nurse said? I expect they’ve got your leg in a boot and you have instructions to rest and elevate. The important thing is to follow the guidelines and don’t worry. The body knows how to heal when it’s injured. If you need any advice or reassurance, just email me. Once a nurse, always a nurse!

How’s Georgia? I noticed she was wearing her pajamas for the whole sleep out, hardly ate any sausage or mash, and was huddled in her sleeping bag, scrolling through her phone for most of the time. Is she in a fit state to look after you? Just wondering!

It was strange being back in St. Ann’s where I used to work years ago. It hasn’t changed much. According to Tommy (the ambulance man) the Orangery restaurant has had a refit. You used to be able to sit in the roof garden and see who was meeting who in the restaurant! I saw some very interesting liaisons there, hee hee! Now there’s obscured glass and you can’t see in, boo!

My next customer hasn’t arrived yet, so email me when you can. Love Issy xxx

To: Isabel Beck

From: Amelia Stibson

Date: April 28, 2025

Subject: Re: Hiya!

Hi Issy,

Thanks for coming to the hospital with me, and for staying. Yes, they sent me home. Fran turned up and then Lucas, so they both helped get me in Fran’s car and Lucas carried me up the stairs here. When we got in, Georgia was asleep on my side of the bed, a giant bag of pickled onion Monster Munch spilling over the sheet.

I’m stranded on the settee while Lucas and Georgia have to share the bed. I can’t even turn round. Like now, Georgia is watching Netflix on the bed behind me, wearing £150 headphones her ex-boyfriend bought her. At least I don’t have to look at her miserable face. What a fucking mess. Sorry to sound whingey, but I feel really weepy and sad. It’s so unfair! And Georgia isn’t looking after me at all. Lucas still won’t kick her out, not even after all this. He’s fast asleep because he was working all Saturday night, couldn’t sleep much yesterday, and this is his only day off all week. Amelia

To: Amelia Stibson

From: Isabel Beck

Date: April 28, 2025

Subject: Re: Hiya!

Aw, Amelia, you poor thing! They gave you a morphine shot at the hospital and I expect you have a scrip for codeine or naproxen (perhaps both). These are very strong drugs that can affect your mood. Also, you’ve had a shock and that creates all sorts of chemical reactions in the body. I never know whether to describe the mix of hormones and drugs as a “cocktail” or a “soup,” but I’m sure once it’s all gone from your system, you’ll start to feel better.

The row Georgia had with her mum: Was it because she’s pregnant? I couldn’t help noticing she’s putting on a lot of weight in the front. If so, then she should be moving into her second trimester, and that’s when (fingers crossed) she should be feeling a bit more active and less nauseous and lethargic. What I mean is, she’ll be more helpful in the next few weeks, albeit Lucas will have to do any heavy lifting, lol!

You’re good friends with Fran, and as you know, I was too, once. Have you noticed anything unusual about her lately? I wonder if perhaps she’s seeing someone. That would be wonderful, of course. I’d so love to know that she’s happy! How did you meet her? I was connected to a charity that provides counseling and support for newly released prisoners and she was a volunteer.

Hope you’re feeling better soon, Amelia. Remember, if you have any worries about your leg, drop me a line. Once a nurse, always a nurse! Love Issy xxx

Message exchange between Amelia Stibson and Lucas Stibson on April 28, 2025:

2:18 p.m. Amelia wrote:

Don’t say anything but could G be preg?

2:18 p.m. Lucas wrote:

Fuck. Really?

2:19 p.m. Amelia wrote:

Bloated, moody cow, looks like shit, feels sick whenever she’s not eating.

2:22 p.m. Lucas wrote:

FUCK. It all makes sense now. Bust-up with Aunty June was over a bloke she was seeing. Bet he dumped her when he found out about the kid.