'What's with HB? She disappeared pretty sharpish at lunchtime.'
Miss Cackle thought about how to approach it.
'I will talk to her.'
She waited until dusk fell, the best time of the day to review the work. Hecate tended to join her and several teapots were consumed. She waited until everything had been marked and sorted and prepared herself to ask about the issue.
'Dimity was asking about you today. She noticed your quick exit. I wonder if it is time to let her know.'
Hecate tensed.
'She is hardly being insensitive. She is entitled to talk about her mother without me reprimanding her for it.'
'I wasn't suggesting that. I think if she might realise how sensitive a topic it can be for you, it might cut down on misunderstandings.'
Hecate reluctantly considered it. She cringed at the idea of speaking about it. She had never even discussed it with Ada. She'd just held out the letters for her to read. Ada did not offer her useless platitudes or nauseating comfort words. She sat and held her hand each time a new letter arrived. She let her sob all over her fluffy cardigan and was allowed to have an evening off corridor duty if she felt inclined. Hecate was most ashamed of what she said this time.
'I don't know that I would go to her, Ada, if I could. Neither of us would recognise each other.'
'It's harder for those left behind. It would cause you greater distress to see her so lost. You will never forget it. It'll haunt you. Sometimes you have to look after yourself and allow yourself not to feel guilty over something you can't control. She only knows you from your letters now. Maybe that's the best way for her to remember you. It is always possible to set up a maglet call. It is not the same I know but for now, you have time to decide.'