That’s what Mum must have wanted to speak to me about. She sighed in that way she does when she’s pretending to be okay about something. And despite my eyes prickling as I tried to stop the sadness bubbling up through the disappointment, I knew the last thing she needed was me making things worse. I walked over and put my arm around her.

“Well, it is what it is, Mum. We can still have an awesome time.”

I wasn’t sure how yet, but I wanted to be positive. I needed to be. The only thing that could mend my rubbish year was a perfect Christmas.

“I know, darling.” She stroked a piece of hair back behind my ear—I couldn’t be bothered to explain I’d spent ages getting that bit of hair out. “And there’s something else. Something I wanted to speak to you about sooner.”

Wait. So that wasn’t the thing? There was something else?! “Do I need to sit down for this?”

“That’s a good idea, actually.” Colin-human’s reply did the opposite of reassure me. “Why don’t you come away from the window?”

But I didn’t move.

“What is it? Is there a national shortage of Cadbury’s selection boxes?” But I was the only one laughing. And as I turned to get my tea, I saw something outside.

Something I’d missed earlier.

Something that had arrived in our garden.

Something that meant Christmas—and life as I knew it—was officially canceled.

In our garden was a brand-new FOR SALE sign.

Chapter Five

Holly

My life was officially up for sale.

I looked around, suddenly aware of all the things I’d taken for granted and would soon be saying goodbye to. The cupboard that only opened if you shoved it with your knee! The sink that smelled of bin! The plug that gave you low-level electric shocks! How I loved thee!

“Does Naomi know?” It was the only reply I could think of that wasn’t dangerously close to me saying how I really felt.

Mum nodded. “We told her today…” Colin-human put his hand on hers. “Col’s already started packing up stuff at his to make room for us.”

“So that’s why she’s not coming back?” No wonder.

Naomi wasn’t going to fly all that way for a toaster-less house.

Mum shook her head. “No, Hol. Her flights had already been moved. She seemed really excited, actually.”

Of course she did. She was probably going to relocate to the Maldives and become a hammerhead shark trainer.

“So how long might it be… Before we, y’know…”—I almost couldn’t bring myself to say it—“move.”

How long do house sales take? Hopefully at least twelve to two hundred years.

Colin-human smiled. I knew he was trying to be supportive, but really, I couldn’t help wishing he’d leave us alone for a bit.