‘You’d rather I play chess with Payton?’

Well, yes, but I wasn’t stupid enough to say that. ‘I’d rather you read a book.’

He made a face. ‘I read enough books at school. Holidays are supposed to be fun and this way I can chat to my friends while we play. Tournament isn’t some evil cult, you know? All the guys are doing it.’

I pursed my lips and nodded. I thought his music was his ‘fun’ but he hadn’t even brought his guitar with him. ‘Fine,’ I said, pushing to a stand. ‘Play your stupid game. Hayley, Wei, Payton and I are going for a nice walk.’

In the past, reverse psychology had almost always worked wonders with Saxon. A people pleaser, he never liked letting me down. I fully expected him to climb out of bed and come with us, but instead he said, ‘Thanks. I will. And can I use your hotspot? I’ve almost run out of data.’

We did have a ‘nice’ walk. Wei ran into a few people he vaguely remembered from childhood and Payton splashed in the sea for what felt like hours. When we finally returned, I prayed Saxon had miraculously improved both his attitude and his mood.

‘Mum, what’s this?’ Payton shouted from the front porch where she’d run ahead of us.

‘I don’t know,’ I replied, squinting as I tried to make out what on earth the brown globe hanging from the porch gutter was. ‘I’ve never seen it before.’

‘Looks like some kind of animal home,’ Wei said as we approached the steps.

‘There’s a note attached,’ Payton shrieked with excitement, already ripping open the envelope.

‘Give that here.’ I snatched it from her just in time and was aware of three pairs of eyes on me as I opened it.

Thanks for the other night. It was good to be able to talk it all through with someone. I wasn’t sure how to show my appreciation, so I made this for you. Hopefully it keeps your possum cosy and it stops bothering you inside. Dan.

‘Who’s Dan?’ Hayley asked, reading the note over my shoulder.

I snapped it to my chest and couldn’t help blushing, although I had absolutely nothing to hide. ‘Just um … just a neighbour. You know the article I wrote about the cyclone damage on the island?’

She nodded.

‘It’s him. I was just helping him with some ideas for a fundraiser and he wanted to say thanks.’

Hayley frowned up at the possum home. ‘Hasn’t he ever heard of a box of chocolates?’

The others had already lost interest and headed into the shack. I laughed, but the truth was, this sweet gift felt more special than a box of chocolates ever could.

Chapter 43

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