Now I know one million per cent I want him in my life, perfect or not.

I think of the video Mum made for me before she passed, and the words I’ve remembered by heart: When you don’t know what to do, trust your heart, my love. It will never lead you astray.

I’ve been stupid to let other things seem bigger, more important than a relationship with my own father, who seems to love and care about me no matter what I say or do. Could I stay a little longer? School starts next week—a new year, new teachers and a heavy schedule of exams. Would they let me miss a week? I could check if there are any flights left. And what would Paula say? Could I change my flight at the last minute? I need to talk to Melody first … My head is starting to spin like a washing machine.

‘I’m going to get a coffee.’ Mike gets up with a grunt. ‘Good to hear you’re all right, Son. Anyone want anything?’

‘Sure,’ my father says, ‘I’m getting a withdrawal headache already. Milk and two sugars.’

‘Sky, you take tea, don’t you?’ Mike says.

I nod. ‘Thanks.’

‘Miriam. Come help me, would you?’

My grandmother gently takes Adam’s head between her hands, gives him a tender kiss on his unhurt cheek and brushes a wisp of hair off his forehead. A loving mum with her hurt boy. She joins Mike, giving me a smile and pat on the shoulder on her way out.

A moment later, she sticks her head back in the door. ‘Sky dear, can you send me Jaxon’s number? I’ll call him now. And give Adam the bag from home I brought.’

I send her the number and put away my phone, now alone in the room with my father.

The room’s quite nice, considering. Cheery orange curtains frame the frosted window, and outside snowflakes fall in slow-motion.

I cross the room to fetch the bag Miriam packed from the chair beside the window, then return to my seat, drawing it closer to the bed, and put the bag on my lap.

‘How are you?’ my father asks.

‘Better now,’ I say. ‘I was freaking out.’

‘Sorry about that.’

‘Don’t be sorry …’ I fiddle with the bag. ‘Dad. I’m just really happy you’re alive.’

‘I’m not going anywhere, Sky. I promise.’ His voice sounds choked up.

‘You can’t make promises like that.’

‘Yes, you’re right. But I can promise I will always be here for you … if I’m on this Earth.’

‘As opposed to another Earth?’ I smile. ‘Do you really mean that?’ And suddenly, my eyes start leaking.