“Why don’t you sleep on it?” Clare tried to reduce the tension but Izzy and her father were locked in battle. Izzy had a stubborn, miserable look on her face and Flora willed Jack to give her a big hug and take her off for a proper talk.

But when she looked at him all she saw was a deep frown of parental frustration. He was trying to work out what to say to make Izzy change her mind.

Was that why Izzy felt she was on her own? Because she believed she had no supporters?

“I don’t want to sleep on it.” Izzy’s voice rose. “I know what I want. Why doesn’t anyone at least try to understand? Why doesn’t anyone listen? Sometimes I feel like I’m an alien, alone on a planet.” Her pain was so obvious it was painful to witness. It sucked Flora back in time. She was a child again.

No one had listened to her. No one had been interested in what she wanted. It was expected that she’d somehow blend into the background of her aunt’s life. She’d been expected to fit the mold someone else had shaped for her.

Flora stepped forward, even though it felt a bit like throwing herself in front of a speeding car.

“I understand, Izzy. And I’m listening.” No one had supported her, or even cared what she truly wanted. That wasn’t going to happen to Izzy. Not while she was around. She was here, and she was going to help. “I think you’re right to stand up for what you want. It’s your life. Your decision. And if you want to talk about it, I’m here.”

Jack put his hand on her arm. “Flora—”

“Izzy is right. Sometimes when life changes, our decisions change, too.” She ignored his effort to interrupt her. “And what is right for one person isn’t right for another. Dreams are personal and everyone has a right to do what feels right for them.”

Izzy looked stunned. She stared at Flora without speaking. Her fists unclenched slightly. The rise and fall of her chest slowed.

Flora felt a flicker of connection, and then it was gone and Izzy’s face contorted.