As my father and Ralph exchange numbers, I turn away from them and try to call Melody, but the line doesn’t even ring, like it’s turned off. So I text and message on all my apps, hoping she’ll get it somehow. Why isn’t she answering? Why is she never around when I need her? I’m alone.

Ralph finally leaves with a slap on Adam’s back and a huge grin. Barbara follows.

‘Sky, this isn’t how I wanted it to come out—let me explain,’ my father says.

‘What has a bear ever done to you, ever done to deserve that? And to orphan a fawn, kill its mother? It’s disgusting.’

‘C’mon, Sky, let’s not overreact here. It’s the lifestyle.’

Overreact? My heart is beating double-time.

‘And what’s the difference to fishing?’ he continues. ‘I knew you’d be sensitive, that’s why I didn’t tell you yet. You love animals, I get it, so do I, but these ones aren’t endangered, they’re not chimpanzees or anything, you have to understand … They’re not like us, they’re just—’

‘What? Stupid animals who don’t deserve any better? No.’

‘That’s not what I meant. It’s part of nature, the life cycle, we’re the top predator. You were okay with the fishing?’

‘I didn’t like that you were a salmon fisher, but I could handle that. This, on the other hand …’ I can’t find the words. It’s like my body is going into nuclear meltdown; I feel blood rushing through my veins, my hands are shaking and there’s a distinct pounding, or maybe a buzzing, in my ears.

‘Lots of people love animals and still eat them,’ my father says. ‘And I totally agree with you that we treat chickens badly; we’re alike in that way, especially those hens in cages that—’

‘We’re nothing alike.’ My voice sounds small above the noise in my head. ‘You don’t understand me at all.’ I think of my idol, Jane Goodall. She’s not just a scientist, she’s an animal activist too and has dedicated her life, sacrificed everything, to saving all creatures. I know she’s against hunting. What would she do? She is brave. Determined. Courageous. She’d never …

‘Please, Sky. You’re letting your emotions take over, just like you said you do. It’s your birthday, there’s a special cake waiting and I haven’t given you your present yet. I thought we—’

‘No.’ I grab my bag. He wants to see impulsive? I jump to my feet and quickly weave through tables towards the door. People are looking. But there’s no other choice; I feel like I’m going to burst. I can’t even look at him, let alone sit down with him again.