Page 74 of The Silent Appeal

Knowing where their shit comes from doesn’t stop it being shit.

5:33 p.m. Fran wrote:

Maybe not, but you can empathize.

5:34 p.m. Amelia wrote:

Go on then, why’s Georgia so miserable and lazy?

5:40 p.m. Fran wrote:

She’s stuck. Doesn’t know where her life’s going. She’s dependent on you and Lucas, which might even make her resent you. I think her reaction to playing an unpopular character reveals just how insecure she is.

5:42 p.m. Amelia wrote:

You are SO right! And she may be his cousin, but Lucas is oblivious to what’s going on with her and how it’s affecting us.

5:43 p.m. Fran wrote:

He’s still coming to terms with everything. Trying to turn things round. He’s working so hard to make the club a success.

5:45 p.m. Amelia wrote:

God, yes. Thank you for getting us into this play, it’s really helping us focus on something positive together. See you later!

To: Amelia Stibson

From: June Taccuso

Date: February 10, 2025

Subject: Georgia

Dear Amelia,

We’ve never met, but I’m Lucas’s aunt by marriage and Georgia’s mum. I’m writing to say thank you for looking after her. She’s a lovely girl, but we fell out over a man she was seeing. Both of us need some time apart and she’ll be on her feet again soon.

I should congratulate you on getting married, seeing as you eloped without telling anyone. You know what they say: marry in haste, repent at leisure. I’m joking.

A big thank you again and if Georgia gives you any trouble, remember she’s been through a lot and just needs her own space to work things out. June

Message exchange between Joyce Walford and Sarah-Jane MacDonald on February 10, 2025:

8:47 p.m. Joyce wrote:

She wants nit milk in her tea.

8:47 p.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

Who?

8:47 p.m. Joyce wrote:

Your sister. We don’t have nit milk.

8:48 p.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

She made it to rehearsal after all. Marvelous! And yes, she’s dairy-avoidant.