The Silent Appeal #4
I’m really scared, Nicky. What happened to her? It was bad enough thinking she killed herself, but this feels even worse somehow, because whoever did it is probably still working on cruise ships, and if so, none of us are safe. Lily
To: Amelia Stibson
From: Isabel Beck
Date: April 28, 2025
Subject: Hiya!
Hiya Amelia!
How are you today? Were you discharged like the nurse said?
I expect they’ve got your leg in a boot and you have instructions to rest and elevate.
The important thing is to follow the guidelines and don’t worry.
The body knows how to heal when it’s injured.
If you need any advice or reassurance, just email me. Once a nurse, always a nurse!
How’s Georgia? I noticed she was wearing her pajamas for the whole sleep out, hardly ate any sausage or mash, and was huddled in her sleeping bag, scrolling through her phone for most of the time. Is she in a fit state to look after you? Just wondering!
It was strange being back in St. Ann’s where I used to work years ago.
It hasn’t changed much. According to Tommy (the ambulance man) the Orangery restaurant has had a refit.
You used to be able to sit in the roof garden and see who was meeting who in the restaurant!
I saw some very interesting liaisons there, hee hee!
Now there’s obscured glass and you can’t see in, boo!
My next customer hasn’t arrived yet, so email me when you can. Love Issy xxx
To: Isabel Beck
From: Amelia Stibson
Date: April 28, 2025
Subject: Re: Hiya!
Hi Issy,
Thanks for coming to the hospital with me, and for staying.
Yes, they sent me home. Fran turned up and then Lucas, so they both helped get me in Fran’s car and Lucas carried me up the stairs here.
When we got in, Georgia was asleep on my side of the bed, a giant bag of pickled onion Monster Munch spilling over the sheet.
I’m stranded on the settee while Lucas and Georgia have to share the bed.
I can’t even turn round. Like now, Georgia is watching Netflix on the bed behind me, wearing ￡150 headphones her ex-boyfriend bought her.
At least I don’t have to look at her miserable face.
What a fucking mess. Sorry to sound whingey, but I feel really weepy and sad.
It’s so unfair! And Georgia isn’t looking after me at all.
Lucas still won’t kick her out, not even after all this.
He’s fast asleep because he was working all Saturday night, couldn’t sleep much yesterday, and this is his only day off all week. Amelia
To: Amelia Stibson
From: Isabel Beck
Date: April 28, 2025
Subject: Re: Hiya!
Aw, Amelia, you poor thing! They gave you a morphine shot at the hospital and I expect you have a scrip for codeine or naproxen (perhaps both).
These are very strong drugs that can affect your mood.
Also, you’ve had a shock and that creates all sorts of chemical reactions in the body.
I never know whether to describe the mix of hormones and drugs as a “cocktail” or a “soup,” but I’m sure once it’s all gone from your system, you’ll start to feel better.
The row Georgia had with her mum: Was it because she’s pregnant?
I couldn’t help noticing she’s putting on a lot of weight in the front.
If so, then she should be moving into her second trimester, and that’s when (fingers crossed) she should be feeling a bit more active and less nauseous and lethargic.
What I mean is, she’ll be more helpful in the next few weeks, albeit Lucas will have to do any heavy lifting, lol!
You’re good friends with Fran, and as you know, I was too, once.
Have you noticed anything unusual about her lately?
I wonder if perhaps she’s seeing someone.
That would be wonderful, of course. I’d so love to know that she’s happy!
How did you meet her? I was connected to a charity that provides counseling and support for newly released prisoners and she was a volunteer.
Hope you’re feeling better soon, Amelia. Remember, if you have any worries about your leg, drop me a line. Once a nurse, always a nurse! Love Issy xxx
Message exchange between Amelia Stibson and Lucas Stibson on April 28, 2025:
2:18 p.m. Amelia wrote:
Don’t say anything but could G be preg?
2:18 p.m. Lucas wrote:
Fuck. Really?
2:19 p.m. Amelia wrote:
Bloated, moody cow, looks like shit, feels sick whenever she’s not eating.
2:22 p.m. Lucas wrote:
FUCK. It all makes sense now. Bust-up with Aunty June was over a bloke she was seeing. Bet he dumped her when he found out about the kid.
2:25 p.m. Amelia wrote:
Bet she got knocked up on purpose to force him to leave his wife, the plan backfired, and now she’s keeping it secret from us. That’s lying! She can’t have it here. Not before the accident and definitely NOT NOW!!!
2:29 p.m. Lucas wrote:
Probably in denial. Don’t want to stress her out. Bad for the kid?
2:30 p.m. Amelia wrote:
Tell your Aunty June. She’ll take her back.
2:30 p.m. Lucas wrote:
Can’t interfere. G’s gotta work it out herself.
2:31 p.m. Amelia wrote:
Tell the baby daddy? Ask your aunty if she knows his name.
2:32 p.m. Lucas wrote:
She just scowled at me. She knows we’re texting about her.
2:46 p.m. Amelia wrote:
SHE’S DOING MY HEAD IN! WE HAVE TO GET HER LAZY, LYING, PREGNANT ASS OUT OF HERE!
2:49 p.m. Lucas wrote:
We don’t know she’s p.
2:50 p.m. Amelia wrote:
OMFG! We’re scared of someone we’ve taken into our own home! SHE HAS TO GO!!
2:53 p.m. Lucas wrote:
IF she is I promise she’ll be gone by the time she has it. Promise you, babe.
Messages posted to Fran’s Hollow Play WhatsApp group on April 28, 2025:
3:08 p.m. Fran wrote:
Ams, assuming you won’t make rehearsal tonight, I can give Georgia and Lucas a lift?
3:08 p.m. Georgia wrote:
Not going.
3:09 p.m. Fran wrote: