“Not as much as I thought. I rang them when I booked my flights. I spoke to Dad first. Once I’d explained my job, he thought it was a great opportunity. Mum was shocked at the short timeline. They want me to come home so we can spend some time together before I leave, but they took it well. It’s only Pappou who’s not happy.”

“He had hoped you would work here. I would have liked that too but you must follow your heart, Katerina.” Yia-yia squeezed her hands again and went back to her baking. “Your Pappou only wants what’s best for all his family but sometimes he tries too hard to make things happen. He’s put a lot of time and money into the new cellar door and restaurant. He’s been very focused.” She nodded slowly. “With you out of the picture, he might be free to notice Peter’s Angela.”

“Michael said something about that. Hasn’t anyone mentioned to Pappou that she might do the job?”

“You are his favourite, Katerina. He would love to have you here but he will come round and he will understand this job in Singapore will make you happy.”

“He seems so grumpy.”

“He is getting older and he can’t do everything he used to. He doesn’t like the thought of losing control. Sometimes he is like a big lion, roaring and raging, but underneath he is really just a little pussycat.”

Footsteps thumped along the verandah and the back door banged, followed by a thud and then another, as boots dropped to the floor. Kat frowned. She wasn’t so sure if Yia-yia’s metaphor was quite the right one for Pappou. Yet in some ways she was correct. He would never dare wear his boots into Yia-yia’s kitchen.

Pappou burst through the door. “Have you seen my diary?”

Yia-yia tsked. “Theo, you and that diary. Have you lost it again? I tell you to button it into your top pocket.”

“I would if I had a button.” He flicked the flap of the pocket up and down.

Kat could see a little tear where a button had been.

“You’ve got plenty of shirts.” Yia-yia tugged at the shoulder of his shirt. “Take this one off and I will mend it.”

“Not now.” He shrugged her hand away. “I need to go into town.”

“I was going to get some groceries for Yia-yia,” Kat said. “Can I get a ride with you?” She wasn’t sure she should ask. In the mood he was in, she’d rather avoid him but she would be leaving soon and she didn’t want to go without making peace with her beloved Pappou.