I close my eyes before they can betray me. “I’m fine.”

“You’re not.” I’ve not heard this voice before. It’s soft, the kind of voice that would be accompanied by a kiss good night and a big warm hug from above. The kind of voice that tucks you in at night.

I swallow the ocean and make myself look at her. “Just leave it, Lettie. Please.”

She looks troubled.

I finish the tea and stand up. “I’m fine.” I flash my teeth at her. Flick my fingers at Splinter.

She watches us until we go inside and close the door.

DAY 46

WEDNESDAY

OSCAR’S HANGING OVER his gate as I walk home from school. “Let me walk your dog with you?”

“Can’t.” I gesture at my bag and keep walking. “I’ve got lots of homework.”

He calls after me. “Are you going to read to Lettie?”

“Why?” I stop, but don’t turn around.

“Can I come?”

I’m too tired for nice. “No.”

“Why not?”

“She doesn’t like you.” I start walking again.

“Mum asked me when I last saw your mum.”

I stop. “What did you say?”

“Well, I thought I saw her out the window on Monday, walking toward the station. So I told her that.”

I nod. “She leaves early.”

“So, can I come over?”

I turn to look at him. “You liked my book?”

He blinks at the change of direction. “Yes? It was really different. I liked it.”

“Don’t you read stuff like that?”

“Not really.”

“Maybe I could come and see what you’ve got? Maybe tomorrow or something? It’s just I really can’t today. I’ve got chores and homework stuff.”

“Sure.” He smiles happily. “See you then.”

“Great.” I walk off.

Seems I’m in demand. Lettie’s waiting out the front of hers. For me, obviously: she’s leaning on the fence.

“Good day?”

I shrug.

“Want a cuppa?”

“Nah. Thanks. I’ve got homework to do.” I open the front door.

“I’ve got some more of those biscuits. And some pigs’ ears for Dog-Balm.”

Splints pushes past my legs and sprints over to the side fence, tail helicoptering madly. I give him a whistle. He ignores me and tries to scramble over to Lettie.

Lettie raises an eyebrow; she shakes the biscuit tin at me. I haven’t been to the shops. My tummy growls.

“Fine.” I dump my bag in the hall and close the door again.

“Oh, well. Don’t let me twist your arm. I could just eat them all myself.”

I ignore her sarcasm and open the gate for Splints. He doesn’t need to be told; he’s over to Lettie’s so fast his paws slip on the footpath. I follow him and help myself to a biscuit as I sit down.

“I knew you couldn’t say no to those.” Lettie smirks and flicks on the kettle.