Read Chapter 24: — THE EMPTY FLAT

Arthur did not answer his phone.

Ethan called at seven. Then eight. Then nine.

At ten he phoned David at the hospital.

David went quiet.

"I'll ask police for a welfare check."

Ethan insisted on driving there too, but stayed outside.

Arthur was found on the floor beside his bed, conscious but dehydrated. His chemotherapy side effects had worsened. He had been too proud to call anyone.

At the hospital, Arthur was furious.

"This is humiliating."

"Good," Ethan said. "You deserve humiliation."

"Excuse me?"

"You lecture everybody else about systems and then decide you're the one person who doesn't need one."

Arthur stared at him.

Then, unexpectedly, he laughed.

"Headteacher's disease. We hate being managed."

"Get used to it."

Maya organised a rota. Somebody called Arthur every morning and evening. Groceries arrived twice a week. David stopped pretending he could manage his father's care while working crisis shifts.

For the first time, Arthur accepted help without making a joke.

That was harder for him than chemotherapy.