Two of a Mind Read Free Page B

still too raw a pain.
    â€œWhy, Grandma? Why did he do it?”
    â€œI wish I knew, my darling. I wish I knew.”
    â€œI’m … I’m scared I’ll end up doing it too,” Matt whispered.
    Julia pushed him upright so that she could see his tear-streaked face.
    â€œWhat gives you that idea?” Her tone was harsh with worry.
    â€œSince I turned sixteen I’ve felt I’m going mad. I can’t put it into words. When I try, my head hurts like it’s going to explode. All I can say is that it feels as if I’m not alone in there any more.”
    Julia’s eyes returned to the vid-screen where the muted news report continued to show images of 3D brain scans and psychic test statistics.
    â€œI’m sure there’s an explanation for the changes, love,” she said. “Try not to worry. We’ll have Dr Armstrong check you over when he comes to see your mother this evening.”

    ***
    The news report had reawakened Julia’s suspicions and when Matt left for school she brought out her numerous journals to remind her of her findings over the years. She’d always resisted technology and relied on her hand written notes to bring back the past.
    It had been hard to accept the death of her beloved Andrew. Lord Simpson had only been forty-five when he contracted the fatal strain of flu. To help her cope with the loss she had worked tirelessly to assist those worst affected by the pandemic and the War. Her efforts were noticed and she was rewarded with the title of Baroness in the Honours of 2017. Tragically, she hadn’t recognised her own son’s suffering and depression during the years after his father’s death. For that she would always carry the guilt and grief, labelling herself a failed mother. She would not let her family down again.
    A sheaf of papers fell from the diary of 2016. Julia bent to retrieve them from the floor, grimacing a little at the twinge in her back. The papers were her hard copy of the King’s Speech from the Opening of Parliament that year. The decimated ranks of all the political parties had, for once, agreed to work together to rebuild the country on a fair and responsible basis. She recalled the hotly debated policies such as abolishing IVF treatments. The staggering increase in birth defects attributed to the nuclear fallout and after effects of the flu pandemic had destabilised the clinical process. Numerous maternal deaths during labour finally tipped the balance towards a blanket ban on fertility treatments. Compulsory genetic screening was introduced to monitor natural conception with many couples being told they would be incompatible.
    Julia felt familiar tears welling up. She and Andrew had only managed to conceive Timothy using IVF back in 1999. Her support for the 2016 Bill to abolish the treatment had felt like a betrayal of all those other childless couples but the statistics could not be ignored. The survival of the living and the rehabilitation of the country as a whole had to take precedence. In brutal terms, funds were needed for more urgent projects.
    â€œJulia.”
    She started from her reverie and turned to respond, “Hello, Rosalind.”
    â€œI’m sorry. Did I startle you?”
    Julia quickly closed the journal with the speech papers tucked back amongst its pages. “No, I’m fine dear. How are you this morning? Can I get anything for you?”
    â€œI’ve just put the kettle on for tea and wondered if you’d like one. Or coffee, if you prefer?”
    Rosalind’s mood seemed to be much improved despite Matt’s earlier suggestion and Julia wanted to capitalise on it.
    â€œI’d love a cup of tea and I think we have some fruit teacakes in the cupboard. I could quite fancy one toasted.”
    As she licked the butter from her fingers, Rosalind began speaking quietly, almost as if she didn’t really want to share her thoughts, “I’ve been so selfish,