‘Of course I’ll do that for you. But I know Nico would love it if you wanted to stay on. You’ve been wonderful, taking on the craft lessons and being so chatty with visitors in general. And honest, when the occasion has warranted it.’

‘Ah, you mean about cutting my wrists. Well, that’s another thing I wanted to get off my chest. When I came here, it was either this place or being under constant scrutiny at some facility, or other. Or worse, Dad getting in a nurse and keeping me at home. I’m ashamed to say that initially it was my intention to do a better job of it next time around.’

Her face is stony as my jaw drops and tears begin to prickle behind my eyelashes. Before I can pull myself together enough to express my concern, she continues.

‘What I wanted you to know is that I don’t feel that way any more. I’ve discovered that I can do something that makes me feel good about myself. I fit in here. And this is the first place I’ve ever been able to say that. You know that it was you and Patricia who gave me back a vestige of confidence, don’t you? And it’s grown from there.’

‘Oh, Kellie. You are so full of empathy, compassion and love, it’s breathtaking at times. How can you not know that? You are an inspiration and your maturity and patience is well beyond your years because you are a survivor. I hope you’ve noticed the change in Taylor, recently, because that’s down to you. And Bastien, too, is so much more sociable because you’ve taken the time to include him whenever you can.’

‘We are a bit of an odd team, though, aren’t we? The Three Musketeers,’ she chuckles, hoarsely, then coughs to clear her throat. ‘The bad news is that my dad wants me back where he can keep a close eye on me, as he puts it. He said this is a cult and I’m being brainwashed.’

My eyes spring open wide. ‘He said what?’

‘His words. Literally. If Nico says yes, then could you ring my dad, please? I mean, I’ll be next to you, but you’ll know what to say when he starts kicking off.’

I shake my head, unable to understand her father’s reaction. That’s an outrageous accusation to make. ‘Of course. I’ll do everything and anything I can to help, Kellie. I’ll talk to Nico tonight. He was singing your praises only the other day, actually.’

A little smile of satisfaction twitches around her lips for a moment. ‘That’s nice to know, Fern, thank you. Okay, so now the awkward bit.’

She looks down at her feet, scuffing them along the compacted dirt floor of the barn. That’s not a good sign, avoiding eye contact.