Claudia’s voice was stronger when she said, ‘Our loved ones are gone and the memories we should be making with them are lost for ever. It’s pain that fills the void. And for the survivors, there are physical and mental scars too. Our lives have changed. We have changed. We’re here this evening to remember that awful night and to show the world that we will never forget.’

The first ripple of applause was almost lost to the soughing of the breeze, but after a tentative start, it became a wave that thundered through the crowd. Claudia wiped tears from her cheeks and, when she was ready, she raised a hand. At her will, the audience quietened.

As Claudia continued with the speech she had vowed not to give, Leanne turned away. She didn’t want to be at one with the town and its collective grief. Claudia was right, they shouldn’t be there.

Following the path that cut through the centre of the park, Leanne kept the main event at a safe distance as she checked her phone. Frankie and the Courier’s photographer, Henry, were milling around somewhere, collecting snaps and soundbites. They weren’t due to meet up until the end of the service, at which point they would regroup for a climax that wasn’t on Claudia’s itinerary.

Leanne’s boots squelched on wet, decaying leaves as she veered off the path. She had hoped the refreshments marquee would be empty, but she wasn’t the only one avoiding the throng. There were groups of families and friends huddled by the entrance with steaming cups of coffee and hot chocolate. Claudia’s team had decided against serving alcohol. No one would be drowning their sorrows tonight, or at least not until the service was over.

Leanne acknowledged one or two familiar faces, but she refused to be drawn into a conversation. There was only one thing people wanted to talk about, and she had to step over guy ropes to avoid them. She wasn’t quick enough, and felt a hand on her shoulder. Her body turned before she had the chance to prepare for who it might be. She could tell from the way Joe’s grip tightened that he expected her to bolt.

‘Leanne, please.’

‘I don’t want to hear it,’ she hissed.

‘But we need to talk.’

‘And you choose now? Today of all days?’

‘On this day especially,’ Joe said, raising his voice to match hers. ‘And I don’t care how many times you walk away, I’ll keep coming back.’

‘No, Joe, you’ll give up eventually. That’s what you’re good at!’

Joe’s body jerked at the force of her words. ‘You have every right to hate me, I hate myself, but I can’t let you cut me out like this. At least give me a chance to explain.’