Page 81 of The Boathouse By the Loch

David raised an eyebrow. ‘What do you mean?’

Robyn looked at the letter in her hands. ‘I didn’t tell her about dropping out of college, or my new career.’

‘Oh, that.’ David sighed, clearly relieved. Gayle could see that he’d wondered what she’d meant for a moment. He obviously still had the London trip on his mind.

‘I think some things are best said in person,’ Gayle said.

Robyn turned to Gayle. ‘Yes, I thought so too.’

Gayle asked, ‘What about your memory loss?’

Robyn shook her head. ‘I didn’t want to worry her. Besides, I phoned the hospital this morning to speak to Dr Jamieson.’

David turned to her. ‘Really – when?’

‘When I was getting some last-minute bits together after you’d taken our bags downstairs. I just rang on the spur of the moment.’

Gayle smiled in relief. ‘You were phoning your doctor.’

‘Yes.’

‘Did you speak to her?’ David asked. ‘What did she say?’

Robyn frowned. ‘I did speak to her, but …’

David looked concerned. ‘What? But … what?’

‘I’ve had scans. There’s nothing wrong with my brain, not physically, anyway. She can refer me to a couple of specialists.’

‘What specialists?’ asked Gayle.

David glanced at Gayle. She’d been a nurse for years.

‘An occupational therapist. Not sure what they do, exactly.’

Gayle nodded. ‘They can help with memory loss, by providing interventions, strategies to maintain independence …’ She trailed off when she caught Robyn and David looking at her blankly. ‘My mother sees one, and she’s a great help, but they tend to help people whose memory loss is related to age or illness, so they can continue to lead independent, fulfilling lives, and find strategies to cope with their decline.’

‘But I’m not old or ill,’ cried Robyn.

‘Yes, your memory loss is … different.’ Gayle paused. ‘What other specialist did she recommend?’

Robyn pursed her lips and looked away. David looked concerned.

Gayle sighed. ‘Did she book you an appointment with a psychiatrist?’

Robyn nodded. ‘I’m not crazy.’

Gayle walked over and put an arm around her shoulders. ‘Nobody thinks you’re crazy.’

Robyn turned to her. ‘Isn’t there somebody else who can help? I don’t want to see a shrink.’

‘There is one possibility …’

‘What is it?’ Robyn asked.

Gayle shook her head. ‘Oh, never mind. You’ll probably think it’s a silly idea.’

Robyn turned to her. ‘Gayle, nothing is a silly idea if it will get my memories back. Tell me, please.’

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