Lilly looked across at December and smiled, but the smile wasn't returned. Instead, a pained look momentarily crossed her eyes. Rushing to her side, she took her hand and pulled her away from the crowded main hall, into the room they used whenever they stayed there.
She pulled her until they were both sitting on the soft old green leather sofa with its fading arms and comfortable cushions.
"Is Dad trying to communicate with you again? Is it a headache? Remember what Millicent said about focussing on the pain?"
December smiled, "No, no, it's nothing like that. No headaches or anything,"
"Oh, then what happened. You looked like you were in pain?"
"Did I?" she asked innocently.
"December, this is me, remember? I know when something's wrong."
Her best friend put her hand through her sho
