Debbie walked up to the park bench where Joe was sitting alone. "Hi."
"Hi," he said as she sat down. "How's Noah?"
"He'll live."
"Your mum won't let me see him," he admitted. "Not that I blame her."
"She'll come round. What happened wasn't your fault. Well, not entirely."
"I'm the one who dared Noah to jump."
Debbie shrugged. "Yeah, but you also jumped in after him and saved his life. That gets you some points. Plus I saw how white you were when Noah was in that ambulance."
"He's my little brother," said Joe. "I'd never have forgiven myself if..."
"I know," said Debbie. "I've tried telling Mum that."
"Why would you stick up for me?" Joe looked at her. "After everything I've done to you?"
"Well, we all need some forgiveness sometimes." Debbie looked down. "And I remember what it was like, when Mum," she paused, "sold Noah to your Auntie Zoe and I wasn't allowed to see him. He's your brother too."
"If I could take back everything I did to you and your family, I would," said Joe sincerely. "I was so hellbent on revenge. Now I might have lost Noah for good."
"Look, you're Noah's brother." Debbie met his gaze. "You're part of the family, for better or worse."
"Mainly for worse."
"Yeah." They exchanged a smile. "Remember when we were kids and you used to chase me around Home Farm?"
"That was just my way of getting your attention."
"Well, you did that alright, Mr Waterhouse." She rolled her eyes and they sat in silence for a moment.
"What about you and Rebecca?" Debbie asked finally. "Is that genuine, or just another one of your games?"
"That's genuine," he said firmly.
"Good. Because enough people have been hurt." She stood up.
"Where are you going?"
"You're coming with me." She nodded at the Woolpack. "Let's go and see our little brother."