I didn’t respond immediately as I would have just told her that she was being stupid, I did not know anyone more capable of loving someone and making people feel that love that this woman before me. At the same time I knew that gentle handling was needed to get Andy to a place where she believed it too.

“Andy all she needs right now is help, the love and home part, well that will come later. No one expects for this to be all on you but Peggy is right we can’t just leave her there to suffer.”

She turned to look at me and I felt the excruciating pain in my back as I tried to jump up and support her crumpling form. Luckily Tina came out of the house a few minutes later and took my place holding Andy as she shook with silent sobs.

Finally she calmed and managed to regain her breath to speak, to let out the last of the secrets of the turmoil she had been feeling and had not been able to share.

“I should have been there, not just for her but for Libby, I gave up and walked away without a second thought. I always seem to be away when I should be with the people who need me and now all those people are in this house apart from the only one who cannot defend herself so yet again I am in the wrong place at the wrong time. If only I had been where I was meant to be I would have saved us all so much pain.”

None of us had heard Rachel join us but she had heard her wife’s speech and now moved over and pulled her away from Tina’s embrace to stand and look her in the eye.

“Now you listen to me and for once take in what I tell you. Andrea Summers no person on this earth could radiate love and kindness in the way you do. No one could give more to those people let into your heart than you do, to be an accepted presence in your life is a blessing like having a warm sun shine on you all of the time. You make people feel safe and cherished and reassured that there is someone in their corner. No one would do more to be where her friend’s and family were in there time of need and I can tell you without doubt that no one has ever felt abandoned by you. You would have been a fantastic parent to Faith and Mia and I am sure we would have and probably still will have our own children in time, but for now we need for you to take one last huge step and let Holly, a child your blood into your heart let her feel the warmth and safety of love as strong as yours. Save her from a life of sadness and I think she will help chase the last shadows from your heart in return.”