Page 85 of The Silent Appeal

4:55 p.m. Nicky-Rose wrote:

Yes, but have to come and go. Stuff to sort out.

4:55 p.m. Kevin wrote:

You’ve got the job.

Undated page from a decorative journal belonging to Isabel Beck:

TODAY

Today is my least favorite day of the year. All the red hearts and roses everywhere make me feel super-sad and alone, which goes to prove it doesn’t always pay to be mindful. Still, I’ve got back-to-back patients all day, and most of them will have left their years of sending and receiving Valentine’s cards long behind them, so it’ll soon go. I wonder if Nicky-Rose got a Valentine’s card? Here’s what I’m looking forward to: TOMORROW! (Sorry, journal, but that’s how I feel.)

Message exchange between Sarah-Jane and Kevin MacDonald on February 14, 2025:

10:05 a.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

How much did these roses cost?

10:05 a.m. Kevin wrote:

My love has no value.

10:06 a.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

Quickly, it’s for the household spreadsheet.

10:07 a.m. Kevin wrote:

£48. Red ones would’ve been £68.

10:11 a.m. Kevin wrote:

Thank you, Kevin, for the beautiful Valentine’s Day flowers.

10:12 a.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

And for saving £20.

Message exchange between Carol Dearing and Sarah-Jane MacDonald on February 14, 2025:

10:39 a.m. Carol wrote:

Nicky-Rose got a dozen roses!

10:39 a.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

So did I.

10:41 a.m. Carol wrote:

These are luscious, deep red, velvety blooms in a proper reservoir.

10:42 a.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:

So are mine, but in a more cost-conscious shade of yellow.

10:45 a.m. Carol wrote: