‘Desperately. She’s one of the loveliest, warmest and most caring people I’ve ever met.’ Melody looks at me. ‘Second to Eli, of course. But we’ll find a way. Just need to get some money saved first. You disappointed we’re leaving?’

I nod sadly. My father and I still need more time to get to know each other. But I suppose, like we promised, we’ll still be in touch when I’m back at school, and we can Skype, call and make plans to see each other again.

‘How did you know …’ I start, but I’m not sure how to say this in the best way. ‘I mean, you liked guys and then, did you … do you now only … like girls?’ I smile awkwardly.

‘I’m glad you asked. For me, and I’m sure it’s not like this for everyone, I realised I’m attracted to the person inside. The outside, the skin, well … it doesn’t matter as much. It’s like …’ She twirls a lock of her hair as she thinks. ‘I love the little beach crab who lives inside the shell, and the shell is … whatever. It’s not crucial to the picture. You know the ones I mean?’

‘A hermit crab?’

‘Yes!’ She chuckles a little at her own metaphor. I want to ponder this, but before I can she continues. ‘I can’t believe how lucky Adam was, hit by a car and only bruised. He seemed to be doing great when I called yesterday, insisted there was no need for me to go to the hospital to check in on him. Been an eventful couple of weeks, hasn’t it?’

‘Understatement of the year.’ I dig around in my clothes, matching pairs of socks.

‘Lucky it’s January then. Plenty of time for more understatements.’

‘Ha.’

‘Any news from Jaxon? Maybe you should call him.’

When I got back from the hospital, Melody and I talked for a long while, polishing off an entire packet of chocolate pretzels. I told her all about Dad, finally having a conversation with him, and the brooch from my grandmother, and I didn’t stop there. Maybe it was the sugar rush or the emotional exhaustion of the day, but the usual filter that blocks what’s in my brain from coming out of my mouth wasn’t working. I told her how Oliver said he loves me and I said I loved him too. I told her about Jaxon’s concert and all the awkward moments leading up to the kiss, and how he found out about Oliver afterwards.

‘I’ve messaged Jaxon a million times,’ I say. ‘Tried calling. Nothing.’

Now I’m rolling my flannels into veggie sausages, copying Melody’s technique.