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She raised a hand to cover her face, battling the rising emotion that made her chest feel like it might explode. A cool hand gently patted her arm and something about the gesture made the tears burst from her eyes and flood down her cheeks.
‘It’s OK, lovely girl, you let it all out. Don’t you worry about the others here because they’re all busy and they’ll respect your privacy anyway.’
Brooke accepted the tissues that Clover gave her and did as Clover suggested. She let it out, didn’t try to stop the tears as they came, and great sobs heaved from her chest and wracked her whole body. When she finally stopped crying, she did feel a tiny bit better, almost relieved that she’d set some of the pain free.
Chapter 9
Clover
While Brooke had cried, Clover had positioned herself so that she was between Brooke and the others in the shop, affording her some privacy. She’d wanted to let Brooke release her emotions without interrupting her. And when she’d stopped crying, she did look like she felt relieved. But also, like there was plenty more stored up inside where the rest had just come from. Clover understood because she had lost loved ones, too. Not that Brooke had actually told her what had happened, but Clover could tell from her eyes, from the lost look in them and from how broken-hearted Brooke was.
‘If you need to splash some water on your face there’s a toilet through there.’ Clover pointed to a door next to the one to the staffroom and Brooke nodded.
‘Thanks so much. I will do if that’s OK?’ Brooke got up and walked to the door, head down so no one would see her puffy eyes.
When she’d gone, Clover checked on her students. Not one of them asked questions or commented on Brooke, and Clover appreciated their silence on the matter because Brooke’s business was not hers to share. But then some of the women currently working clay in her shop had turned up on herdoorstep in similar states of distress. Those in need of a safe place to share had come to her door as if guided there by some higher power. They appeared at her doorstep, seemingly led by instinct or a guiding force, in search of a secure space to confide in someone and to seek guidance in overcoming challenges in their lives, and Clover willingly offered her help. She’d always been empathic and intuitive, and it meant that she could help people to work things through. Not that she thought it was a superpower — that thought always made her smile — but she did know how to listen and that, as it turned out, was often what people needed. To share. To feel heard. And to unburden.
When Brooke returned from the toilet, face now calmer, even if her eyes were puffy, Clover asked, ‘Would you like another cup of tea?’
‘Oh no … I couldn’t possibly trouble you for anything else. You’ve been so kind and generous with your time.’ Brooke wrung her hands together.
‘It’s no trouble at all, dear,’ Clover said. ‘You’re welcome here any time you like. And I’m always happy to put the kettle on.’
‘You’re so kind.’ Brooke glanced around the shop and seemed relieved that no one was staring at her. It was like no one had even noticed that she was distressed, and Clover knew this would be a relief for her. ‘I should get going and unpack some more boxes.’
‘You don’t have to rush with that, though, Brooke. You know that, don’t you?’ Clover asked. ‘You can take as long as you need. It’s the type of job that can wait until you’re in the right mood and have the energy to do it. As long as you have the essentials to get you through for now.’
‘You’re right about that.’ Brooke gave a small nod. ‘I felt like I should get everything done asap but I don’t even know where I want a lot of it to go yet.’
‘Then take your time,’ Clover said. ‘It will all become clear.’
‘I will do.’ Brooke stood up and put her coat on, then she pushed her hair behind her ears.
‘I’m here most days, Brooke, so why don’t you come and have a cuppa tomorrow? I have a quiet morning with no one booked in so you could come and have a proper chat. No pressure but if you need someone to talk to, then I’m a good listener. At my age, I’ve been through a fair bit and might have some useful advice for you.’
‘That would be lovely, thanks.’ Brooke nibbled at her bottom lip. ‘I don’t have anything planned tomorrow.’ She gave a nervous laugh. ‘Actually, I don’t have anything planned for the foreseeable.’
‘Give it time, lovely. It will work itself out. Whatever’s troubling you will change or how you feel about it will, at least. Hearts can heal, however they were broken.’
Clover walked Brooke to the door and placed a hand on her arm. ‘Come back and see me tomorrow. Who knows, you might even want to have a go at shaping some clay.’
Brooke smiled, and this time it reached her eyes. ‘I’ve never made anything out of clay.’
‘Well there you go then. It’s such fun and I’m sure you’ll love it.’
‘OK. I’ll see you in the morning.’
‘Take care now.’ Clover gave Brooke’s arm a gentle pat, then opened the door for her and watched as Brooke walked out into the frigid air.
Brooke turned and waved, then headed for the path that led up to the village. Clover hoped that the younger woman felt a bit better than she had when she’d stumbled across the shop and that when she left tomorrow, she’d feel better again.
She’d meant what she said, that hearts could be healed, one way or another.
Chapter 10
Brooke
‘Are you ready, Mummy?’ Allegra asked as she hopped from one foot to the other in the hallway.
