addictchild

The nursing course at university had been completed. Laura was a qualified RGN.

A hospital position was applied for in a medical assessment unit. She was accepted. Laura had a career. These should have been happy times, a reason for rejoice.

Laura’s tears flowed for her wedding that never was. Hours dragged by whilst she lay on her bed. Days struggled to night as she sat on the settee. Tunes of loss, lyrics of heartache, played through her earphones. Endless cups of tea offered were left cold.

Laura’s start date for the hospital was the day after the now cancelled honeymoon. She was fragile, she was not fit for the induction day, I accompanied Laura to the hospital ward to explain why. Her boss halted her duties and led us to a quiet room. The boss was understanding and suggested a two-week postponement.

Eyes dried, Laura and I stepped out into the spring sunshine. A job to do in town: visit the bakers to pay for the uncut wedding cake.

Laura stopped short in the street, a tear welled in her eye then spilt onto her cheek. I recall her words; ‘I feel so lost. I feel as though someone has died.

‘I know.’ I put my arm around her. We stood alone in a throng of passers-by. ‘But there’s no sticking plaster for this wound, no quick fix. Time will heal, you’ll see. Wait for it to pass.’The Ex-boyfriend would help to heal her, more than he knew.