With a deep sigh I lift my face.

‘Holy bloody hell! What appened to you?’

I sigh. If I lie to him Mum will kill me.

‘Rhi and me got jumped by Mick Franks and the Potter boys.’

His big bushy brows drop down over his eyes.

‘WHAT? What is your uncle and mother doin bout this?’

His deep voice makes the words carry and I could’ve sworn it bounced around the hills surrounding the town. I sit upright in my chair, hands together, begging.

‘Pop, please, ya can’t say nuthin! I whacked im with a big stick and he’s up at the hospital. If word gets out e’ll ave me charged.’

I’ve never seen my grandfather furious before. He is the most calm, stable person I know. I watch him swallow that fury back down. It’s amazing to watch and makes me sad to think about how many other emotions he’s had to push down like that before. I sit and wait for his response.

‘Ya hit im good?’

‘He’s got a concussion.’

‘He hurt either of you more than that?’

Again, that question that isn’t.

‘No, Pop, I promise.’

He nods. When he picks up his knife and fork and starts eating his steak, I settle back in my chair with a sigh. The danger has passed, for now. At some point he’ll find out we’ve been out at the Potters’ property, and then I’ll be in for it. My life is turning into one round of trouble after another.

We sit quietly after that. It isn’t just habit, it’s communication. Pop doesn’t need words sometimes, and neither do most of us. Besides, just being here makes me feel safe; maybe that’s why Mum sent me up.

‘Need to sleep, granddaughter?’

‘Mmm.’ I watch him out of the corner of my eye.

‘Want to sleep out ere? You’ll be right.’

Tears threaten. He can see my tiredness, probably more than that. I tuck my knees into my chest and put my head down onto them.

‘Can’t,’ I mumble.

‘It’s right, I’m ere,’ he promises.

Turning back to his food the silence returns. He’d given his order and considered it done. I’d never disobeyed my grandfather, but I am so terrified to sleep.

‘What if I see …’ I choke on the words.

‘It’s right,’ he repeats. ‘You sleep.’

I close my eyes and rub the wetness on my cheeks with my knees. I am so tired.

As I drift off I feel a hand on my head. Comfort pours from it and I know I am safe. For now.

Day 5, Afternoon

Day 5, Afternoon

‘Granddaughter, time to get up.’

‘It’s too early,’ I murmur, half asleep.

‘Work won’t wait and you got lots to do.’

‘Aww, Nan,’ I whine.