Page 106 of The Life Experiment
Suddenly, Joanna squeezed Layla’s hand.
‘Layla, I would give anything for one more night with your father. If you’ve found someone who makes you feel like that, don’t give up on them. Please. We only get a few shots at happiness in life. Your dad would want you to take every one that comes your way.’
It was those words that broke Layla. ‘I miss him,’ she wailed. ‘I miss him so much.’ Layla didn’t know who she was speaking about, Angus or her dad, but it didn’t matter. She missed them both, and having either of them back in her life felt equally as impossible.
50Angus
The Life Experiment: Daily Questionnaire
Property of OPM Discoveries
How would you rate your level of contentment today? (1 represents low contentment, 10 represents high)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
How would you rate your energy level? (1 being very low energy and 10 being very high energy)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
What are two things you are grateful for today?
Jasper and Clarissa’s sleuthing. They’re pretty great friends. I should probably tell them that
Mum’s latest results. Things seem to be heading in the right direction
What are you struggling with today?
Not knowing how Layla will react when she sees me
Do you have any additional notes on what you would like to discuss in your upcoming counselling session?
Depending on how today goes, we could have a lot to discuss
Angus tugged at the collar of his shirt. It was a tailored fit, but suddenly it felt too tight. As he manoeuvred his car into one of the last free spaces in the crematorium car park, he wondered if he would make it to the funeral before the shirt choked him.
Turning off the ignition, Angus eyed the congregation waiting in the drizzle. It was a big crowd filled with people of all ages, shuffled closely together in their grief. Angus felt a lump in his throat simply observing their sadness.
Was it right that he was here? Angus didn’t know. It wasn’t like he knew David personally, and he definitely hadn’t been invited. The worries were almost enough to make him drive away, but then Angus thought of Layla. He needed to see her. Just one look to see that she was okay.
Just one chance to be there for her.
With that thought, Angus sealed his fate. He walked across the car park to join the crowd. As he did, he noticed the gentle chatter fade into silence. Self-consciousness prickled Angus’s skin, but then he heard the distinct roll of tyres. Without turning, he knew the funeral cars were arriving.
Tucking himself into the crowd, Angus watched on, waiting to see Layla.
A strangled breath escaped him when she stepped out of the car. Wrapped in a sleek black coat and wearing pointed boots, she looked beautiful – and sad. So incredibly sad. Her body was rigid with composure, but Angus knew it was an armour.
As Layla extended her hand back into the car, a small hand accepted it. Seconds later, a young boy emerged.
Jayden, Angus thought. He recognised him from Layla’s photos. The woman following him was Maya. With similar features to her sister, Maya too was stiff as she clutched onto her son’s shoulder.
When one final person emerged from the car, Angus’s chin dimpled. Joanna was pale-faced and curved inwards as if aching with pain. Angus’s heart broke for her.
As the family made their way towards the crematorium, all Angus could do was watch. It amazed him how he could name all the significant people in Layla’s life at a glance. She had shared her world so openly with him, but he hadn’t done the same.
Before the shame of that could destroy him, Layla looked up from straightening Jayden’s collar and locked eyes with Angus.
Angus’s heart thundered. His palms dampened with sweat, and all he could think was,How the hell have I survived a single day without looking into those eyes?
