I put up a few posters in the dining hall and in a few random places along the way. Once my hands are free, I make my way to room ten. Loud voices rumble close by. I hang back and hug the wall beside room nine.
“What the hell do you want me to do, Sam? It’s happening. It’s what you wanted,” a deep voice growls.
My ears prick up.What’s happening exactly?
“I. Can’t,” Sam snaps.
“It’s not up to you, mate.”
“But what about her?” Sam’s voice breaks. My breath hitches as the emotion in his words hit me in the heart.
“We talked about this,” Ben says and sighs.
“It was a pretty one-sided discussion.”
I turn on my heel and take purposeful strides back to reception. Now’s not the time to interrupt. Whatever happened in the meeting with Kathleen, Sam isn’t happy about the outcome.
***
About half an hour later, the doors beside reception buzz. Ben emerges, his cheeks flushed.
I stand and smile. Words fail me as Ben stops in his tracks and glances in my direction.
“See ya,” he says and walks from the centre, his eyes focused on his black R.M. Williams boots until he’s out of sight.
“Yeah, see ya,” I say softly to no one.What on earth is going on?
I call Kathleen’s office.
“Yes, Jane.”
“Do you mind if I take my afternoon break early?”
A puff of breath echoes through the phone. “Sure. I’ll just finish this email and I’ll come out.”
A few minutes later, my boss appears. Her smile tells me she knows exactly where I’m going.
“I think he could use a friend,” she says in a soft voice.
My heart jumps up my throat. Holy crap.Is Sam okay? Is it his health?
I snatch up the remaining doughnuts and powerwalk down the corridor. I find Sam sitting on the bed, his eyes fixed on his tangled fingers on his lap.
I rap my knuckles on the door, drawing his eyes up. “Sorry I couldn’t get here earlier.” I hold up the bag and wave it. “Big brother brought doughnuts for you—well, for us. I kinda ate three already. Sorry, not sorry. It’s for your own health.”
It doesn’t even draw a smile. His features are cold, his eyes empty. “I’m leaving.”