GRACE
Naively, I thought the knot of worry tangled around my stomach would loosen once I saw James. It hasn’t. The poised and confidant man I knew just isn’t there anymore. The James I visited yesterday was timid and nervous. His back was hunched, his fingers fidgeting, and his eyes were so…lost. I don’t know how to help him and I feel so damn useless.
After yet another bus ride, I wait for Max outside the hospital unit. When I see him arrive, his mum by his side, my stomach flips in anger. So she’s decided she can be arsed seeing him now, has she?
Swallowing down my frustration, I decide I need to give her the benefit of the doubt for James’ sake, and offer a weak smile.
“Hey, mate,” Max greets me with a pat on the shoulder.
“Hey.”
Julia, James and Max’s mother, doesn’t acknowle
