Then came an apology, then an accusation that she had embarrassed him, then a request for a photograph of the hospital document, then an insistence that his sister was crying because Iris had been cruel.

“I’m sorry I made you upset,” one message read.

“You know how much pressure I’m under.”

Iris read it twice.

He had not written that he was sorry for throwing the coffee.

Lena placed a second cup of tea on the table.

“You don’t have to answer tonight.”

“I know.” Iris was surprised to realize that she finally did.