Anna is very quiet, suspiciously so. For two days she has been very subdued. This has been the same time that the new carer has come to live with us and it has all gone very easily. On the first morning the carer – Lucy – gave Anna her breakfast and it was the most natural thing in the world. And so it continued. Where is her old spirit?
I was apprehensive of what I thought would be her inevitable attack on the new person, what are you doing in my house, etc, but nothing. It is as if she has been sedated. Or she is unconsciously acknowledging the new arrangement that she is not even properly aware of – and feeling safer?
Anna: I’m tired – this lady – (she whispers to me) she’s always here.
In a way it makes it very much easier, but I miss the fight in her.
Tomorrow there will be fireworks in the park. And at home?

When the children were young they made a lot of noise. When they were quiet, that was when you worried. I am reminded of that.