Dad asked about the conference and she told us that there had been good advances on the use of artificial intelligence in helping some developing countries deal with the effects of climate change. She and Dad had a good chat about it, but I didn’t pay a huge amount of attention because it was, to be strictly honest, a bit boring.

Finally, I got the opportunity to bring up the subject I’d been dying to ask about.

‘Mum? You said something about a school camp and that we probably wouldn’t be allowed to go, but Aiden and I don’t know anything about it. What’s the camp?’

For a moment I thought Mum was going to tell us to mind our own business, that she and Dad were still going to talk about it and leave us totally in suspense. In fact I could almost see those thought processes flit across her face. But then she obviously decided to put us out of our misery.

‘When your father and I enrolled you at school, they said they had a camp planned. In about four weeks, as it turns out. The expectation was that you would both go along.’

Aiden and I looked at each other. Going away without Mum and Dad, with Mr Meredith and the other kids from our class? That sounded beyond awesome.

‘And?’ I asked.

‘It’s a five-day camp in the Blue Mountains. Hiking, a bit of horseriding, apparently, and some kayaking. The school has a building up there, very secure against any bad weather that might blow in, as well as trained outback specialists who can keep you safe from wildlife and even gather food if necessary. That’s unlikely though, since they take all the comforts with them.’

Dad took over.

‘Your class teacher goes with you, as well as a nurse and some pretty tough guys who act as bodyguards in case you meet people who … well, who might not be the kind of people you’d want to meet. We were assured it’s entirely safe, that everyone has the best time, that you’ll fish and barbecue and tell stories over camp fires.’ He glanced at Mum. ‘It’d better be special, given it costs an arm and a leg.’

‘Can we go, please? Please?’ I knew Aiden wouldn’t beg. He’s the kind who’ll take his punishment without complaint, but I’m made of different stuff. This sounded totally brilliant and I’d beg on my hands and knees if I had to.

‘We haven’t decided yet,’ said Dad. ‘We told you. Your mum and I are going to discuss it and as you well know, she’s barely been home five minutes.’

‘We’re so sorry that Aiden did what he did,’ I said. ‘Isn’t that right, Aiden?’ I think he nodded. ‘We’ll be good as gold, I swear. And this is not an opportunity that comes up very often.’ That was an understatement. I’d never had an opportunity like this.

‘Your father said we’ll talk about it,’ said Mum. ‘Now go to bed, the pair of you. Any more arguing about it, Ashleigh, and I can guarantee that you won’t be going. You’ve said good as gold, so put up or shut up. Better still, both.’