‘. . . Cory Allbright was a beautiful soul. This never should have gone down the way it did, we all know that. But there’ll be justice down the line. Karma be like that.’

His voice had become hard and brittle; everyone knew to what – or rather, whom – he was referring. Clover realized they were all now holding hands, forming linked chains in concentric circles around the small boat, ten, eleven deep. A short distance away bobbed a solitary surfer. Had he arrived too late? Or was he simply a passing rider, unaware of what he’d come across? He sat, silhouetted, watching, making no attempt to draw closer.

‘. . . But that’s for the future. Today is about honouring Cory’s memory. About blessing his spirit and keeping in our hearts, the good times. He won’t be forgotten. And the surf community will make sure his family is loved. Supported. Protected.’ He looked at Mia. ‘Mia, that is our promise to you. You and the boys are not alone.’

Mia swallowed and nodded her thanks.

‘Cory, we love ya, man! Rest in peace, brother!’

A cheer went up, growing in volume and heft as people began splashing and scooping up water into the air in a form of salute. Goosebumps raced up Clover’s arms as she watched the cacophony.

Eddie stood and handed Taylor, who was sitting behind him, the urn he had kept safe by his feet. Taylor stared at it for several moments, then kissed it. ‘Love you, Dad,’ he sobbed. He passed it back to Hunter, who did the same.

Clover didn’t think she could bear it. These poor children, their final goodbye . . .

Mia patted Brady and he squirrelled off her lap, understanding it was his turn now. The urn was heavy, heavier than he might have expected, and he had to clutch it to his body to take the weight. He closed his eyes, swinging from side to side with it, like it was a teddy bear. ‘Come back, Daddy. We’ll be good.’

A cry escaped Mia and she reached over to him, stroking his hair back and kissing his face. ‘Daddy loved you so much, baby.’ Her voice was thick with tears. ‘You were his best boys. All of you. He lives in here now.’ And she tapped Brady’s chest, by his heart. ‘He’ll never leave you. He’ll always be with you.’

Clover turned away, not wanting the children to see her tears. She knew all about losing a father, but this wasn’t her tragedy. Who was she to be so upset? And yet . . . she was intricately woven into the tapestry of their family life now. She had lived with them, seen the truth of their situation behind closed doors. She knew how it felt when a family fell apart.