‘I feel bad, for one. I left Adam stranded after he drove for two hours to pick me up. And I feel guilty. The restaurant staff went out searching for me. That’s crazy. Who was even there? The chefs, the waitresses, the guests? The restaurant was really posh and full when I left—it’s embarrassing.’

I’d never have done something like that before Mum died. And if she were here, she’d make me apologise. Just like when I went wandering, following a dragonfly down a hill, during Year Four school camp and got lost for an hour. Mum always insisted I do the right thing.

My eyes sting as I raise them to Melody. ‘I didn’t mean for that to happen. I was just furious and things spiralled.’

She leans over to hug me.

‘I guess I’m still in shock about it …’ I say. ‘My father. A hunter. It’s just, terrible.’

‘Sky,’ Melody says, looking into my eyes. ‘Hunter or not, you know I had to tell him where you are, right?’

‘You’re not going to make me go back with him, are you?’ I ask, a lump forming in my throat. ‘You promised to take me to the airport, Melody. And I want to stay with you. Please.’

‘I’m not leaving you,’ she says, looking at me, surprised. ‘He just wants to see you.’

‘But I don’t want to talk to him. Tell him not to come. Please, Melody.’

‘Can’t do that, love, even if I wanted to. He’s on his way now.’

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

It doesn’t take long for my father to appear at the tent door. He’s wearing the same clothes as last night, but his hair’s sticking up and dark rings have appeared under his eyes, which dart around as if he’s been abducted into an alien spaceship. He quickly spots me in the circle.

‘Tell him to leave,’ I hiss at Melody. I’m desperate to go home and pretend this whole father–daughter disaster never happened.

I want to drink tea with Paula and eat her cookies. I want to joke around with Dave. I want my dog Bella, my bed, my favourite long-sleeved T-shirt of Mum’s in soft, worn cotton—it’s lost her scent, but still … and I want Oliver.