Edie bit her bottom lip hard. She became aware of his body beside hers. Heat radiated out from where they touched.

‘Or that he was a fucking angel God needed back? Or that you shouldn’t be sad but be grateful you’d had him in your life?’

‘I… I just…’ Tamsyn’s cheeks had flushed pink.

‘Things aren’t always what they seem,’ Edie said. ‘That’s all.’

‘I didn’t say—’

‘Leave it. It’s fine.’ Edie hadn’t meant to snap so sharply.

Jago stood. Her body became suddenly colder. She stared up at him. His face was lit in the afternoon light that fell in a shaft through the window opening. She thought he might look down at her, so she could smile, mouth a thank you, but he didn’t. He stared at his sister for a moment or two and then walked to the edge of the ledge and jumped down.

Edie stood too. She followed him and carefully climbed out of the hole in the ruined wall. She glanced back at Tamsyn who didn’t move, but just sat and stared at her hands.

Outside the engine house, Jago was leaning against the rock face and rolling a cigarette.

‘Thanks for—’

But he interrupted her. ‘She was trying to be nice.’

‘Sorry?’

‘Tamsyn.’ He gestured with his head towards the ruin. ‘Just then.’ He spoke in a low voice to shield his words from his sister who still hadn’t emerged from the engine house. ‘I know she said the wrong thing, but she doesn’t get it. She looks at your life and wants it. I don’t know if she’s told you, but our dad loved your house. It means something to her.’

Edie looked at the floor.

‘She likes you. A lot.’ He ran the tip of his tongue along the edge of the cigarette paper. ‘Don’t hurt her. Your parents aren’t her fault.’ He put the cigarette to his lips, lit it and drew smoke into his lungs deeply. ‘She needs a friend.’

Even though he didn’t say the words in black and white, she knew what he was asking. She nodded.

Tamsyn appeared from the ruin. Her shoulders were hunched, mouth turned down at the corners, her arms crossed protectively around her body. Jago cast Edie a brief glance before turning and starting back up the path.

She went over to Tamsyn and reached out to rub her arm. ‘Sorry for snapping just then. I know you were trying to be kind.’

Tamsyn looked at her, relief visibly melting her anxiety away. ‘I’m sorry,’ she said.

Edie smiled. ‘All forgotten.’

Tamsyn’s eyes shone and she broke into a wide smile then began to chatter, her words coming thick and fast.