The Lies Beneath: A gripping tale of friendship, love, and the masks we wear... by Lucy O'Callaghan

Author:Lucy O'Callaghan [O'Callaghan, Lucy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Poolbeg Press
Published: 2024-04-02T00:00:00+00:00

45

The blue folder nudges Amanda’s leg as Michael turns into the driveway of the nursing home. She ignores it. She’d shoved it there, out of the way, when Michael asked her to hold it on the way over. She doesn’t know exactly what’s in there, and she doesn’t want to. As she keeps telling him, the past is in the past and that’s where it should be left.

She chews at her inner cheek, folding her arms across her stomach. She doesn’t want to be here. But, although dread sits in the pit of her empty stomach at what Mary might say and remember, she will at least be more in control of the situation by being here.

Michael reverses the hire car under the trees and, turning the engine off, stares at Little Willow Nursing Home. Glancing at him, Amanda knows he’s having doubts about going in.

“You don’t have to do this, you know. It will be very upsetting for you and we really don’t want to confuse Mary any further.”

“I want to give it a try. Aunt Mary might be able to shed some light on it all.” He reaches for the folder, and they get out.

They walk the lavender-scented path to the entrance. A nurse meets them at the door and leads the way down a carpeted corridor to Mary’s room. An earthy old-people smell accompanies them. Amanda walks behind Michael, repeatedly trying to swallow the lump in her throat, saying silent prayers that Mary will be asleep.

Glancing into the large living area as they pass, she sees elderly people doing jigsaws. Two are staring at a game show on the large widescreen TV. At a table in the corner, some are painting, a staff member hovering around them. Other residents are just sitting in their chairs, staring at nothing. Amanda falters in her step. Is this the sort of place where her parents would be now, had they lived?

“Does Mary interact much with the activities provided?” Michael asks the nurse as they walk.

“A little, yes. Some days more than others. She loves to listen to music and take part in the dancing class. Here we are. Visitors for you, Mary, love.”

Mary is sitting in a high-backed armchair, overlooking the garden. Amanda sees a hint of recognition in her eyes as Michael approaches, and her heart deflates. She was hoping Mary would be the same as last time she saw her and then he might put all this digging in the past to bed.

“Hello, Paul. How are you?” Mary says brightly.

Amanda sees the disappointment flicker across Michael’s face as Mary says their father’s name. He settles himself into the chair next to Mary. Her eyes reach Amanda next and try to place her. She can’t and she looks back at Michael. Amanda hovers. Not sure what to do or say. Feeling awkward, she perches on the edge of the high bed, clasping her hands on her lap.

Mary stares at Michael intently and he smiles.

“How are you, Mary?” he asks.

“I’m well.

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