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“Why would I be mad about them wanting to follow up about the fire? It was big news when it happened. I get it.”
“Don’t you think it’s intrusive on our family?” Ryan’s tone was incredulous.
“You obviously do.”
“I’m not comfortable with it. Mum and Tom think—”
“You’ve already talked to them about this but not me?”
Ryan shifted his feet. “Yeah. You weren’t here.”
“I want a family meeting immediately. With Lily and Amanda about to arrive home, they should know, too.”
“That’s why the TV people want to do it. We’re all in town at a time that suits their schedule.”
I watched Ryan closely. “My sisters know as well?”
My brother hung his head. “Yeah. I didn’t want you to be upset—”
“Well, I am, because of you. You should have told me about the call. First the bank, and now the ABC.”
He exhaled. “I just didn’t want you to feel like shit all over again.”
“That’s not how depression works, Ryan.”
His shoulders dropped. His face was crestfallen. “I’m sorry. I only didn’t tell you in case the skin grafts trials failed and then to hear that you’re not doing them anymore …”
Ryan knew all too well during the past ten years what it was like to watch me deal with crippling despair and how I retreated into myself while I was in agony. He’d placed so much hope on these skin graft trials to make me like I was before. But nothing could do that.
“It’s not bad news about the trials. I’m no longer a guinea pig, in and out of hospital for researchers and surgeons. I can finally get on with my life, and for the record, the years of intense psychological therapy were incredibly helpful. One bit of news about the bank or a TV interview can’t send me spiralling back into depression. The drugs actually work and it’s just not how depression works, Ryan.”
My brother looked up.
“I know things were really bad for me years ago, but that’s the thing, it was years ago. I’m stronger now.”
“Shit, Stace.” He moved across the console for a hug but I held up my hand.
“No. I haven’t finished. I’ll tell you and Mum and the family if I feel like it’s getting bad again. But, you know what makes people feel like shit? When they are left out. You should have bloody well included me.”
He nodded. “Okay, I get it. I fucked up.”
“Yeah and you’d better un-fuck it. This family needs to talk.”
12
HARRY
Group chat:
Andy: I wanna play golf!
Mel: Found three wineries near Ballydoon. Can you ask ppl if they are any good? *three links inserted*
Steve: I’ll be the designated driver. I also demand a steak at your pub. My needs are simple: meat. Lots.
Andy: that’s what she said LOL
Mel: how’s it going with your nurse, Harry?
