‘No,’ I say shortly, ‘Ruth, I don’t mean to be rude, but we’ve all had kind of a stressful day, and coming home to find you in Laurel’s room . . . well, it’s a bit weird. I know all you want to do is help, but Fran isn’t home now, and I think she’ll probably be tired when she does get in. It might be best if you leave now, maybe come and see her tomorrow?’ I cross my fingers behind my back, hoping against all hope that she’ll take the hint and go.

‘I’m sure Fran will be tired.’ A dark look crosses Ruth’s face, and she turns the tap off a little too forcefully. The air between us changes, and I’m not sure what is going on, my pulse picking up a little bit of speed as Ruth tugs at the strings of the apron around her waist, yanking it up over her head, muttering to herself as she does so.

‘I don’t mean to be rude . . .’ I step to one side as she snatches up her bag from where it sits in a bulky, beige hessian puddle by the table.

‘You people never do,’ she snaps, freezing at the sound of the front door opening and then slamming shut reaches our ears. Slowly she places her bag back down on the floor, with a slightly triumphant glance towards me.

‘Anna? Are you here?’ Fran’s voice calls out, and I can picture her in the hallway, throwing her boots under the radiator, shaking cold, frosty droplets from her sleek, dark hair, so different to Laurel’s blonde ponytail.

‘In the kitchen.’ I call out, sliding into a chair at the table, hoping my voice doesn’t wobble. My hands are cold, and I tuck them under my thighs to warm them, avoiding Ruth’s gaze. Fran bursts in, closely followed by Kelly.

‘Anna, you poor thing. How was it?’ Fran crouches next to me, tugging my hand out and clutching it between both of hers. ‘Was it dreadful? Did they ask you awful things?’ Her face is pale, two spots of deep red dancing high up on her cheekbones. Her dark eyes glitter, and she looks hectic, almost manic. I dread to think how her interview went.

‘It wasn’t as bad as I first thought,’ I say, ‘but I don’t think we’re supposed to talk about it.’

‘No, no, of course not.’ Fran straightens, pressing her hands to her cheeks. ‘I’m just so relieved it’s over. Kelly, can you make us some tea?’

‘I can do it.’ Ruth jumps to attention, dishing out a quick smirk in my direction. ‘Hello, Fran.’

Fran turns to her, a mild look of surprise on her face. ‘Oh, it’s you. I didn’t realise you were here.’ She frowns for a moment. ‘Why are you here?’