It took a few minutes to compose herself. Nicole splashed her face with water – happy tears were no different from sad, making her skin red and blotchy. As she headed back out on the verandah she took in the scene before her.

On the lawn, groups of people sat on picnic blankets or around portable tables on fold-up chairs. Each blanket and table was laden with bowls and plates of food. Some people stood, talking and laughing with glasses in their hands. Others were at Nicole’s salad table dishing themselves up pasta or greens. Half-a-dozen men, including Jason and Bill Tucker, joined Danny and Trevor at the barbecue, and they all took turns turning sausages and steaks before plating them up to ferry back to their family groups. Bill saw Nicole and tipped his peaked cap to her.

She waved at him in greeting.

Little children were running around playing tip, and the older ones had started a game of soccer. Nicole leaned against the post and watched them for a moment before shifting her gaze.

Jacqui and Mandy were in lively discussion on a bright, orange blanket next to the metal brolga perched on the lawn. Cheryl and Jim were talking with Jack over by the roses he had planted. Jim appeared to be asking Jack questions, but the poor lad was distracted, stealing glances at Katie Lewis, who was entertaining a crawling Amy. George was handing out cans of soft drink from the two eskies he’d brought with him from the pub.

Kicking off her sandals, Nicole laughed and stepped down on the grass with bare feet – the only fitting way to freely enjoy the day. She headed over to grab a plate and fill it up.

Mandy joined her. ‘What a turn-out. Half the town is here.’ She spooned noodle salad on to her plate.

‘It’s amazing.’

‘Nice send-off for Danny, too,’ Mandy said. ‘He flies out tomorrow, doesn’t he?’

‘You know he does.’ Nicole noticed Mandy’s smirk. ‘Giving so much time to that school is amazing.’ Nicole shook her head.

‘You know,’ Mandy said and Nicole turned to face her friend, recognising the conspiratorial tone of voice. ‘He doesn’t just work at the school.’

‘Oh?’

‘He built it. And I don’t just mean physically with his hands, which is also true. I mean he funded it. He went backpacking after he finished school with some mates and stumbled across the area and fell in love with the place. And, well, after Caitlyn, he used the money his grandfather left him and went back and built them a school. Been going back ever since.’

‘You know you don’t have to sell him to me anymore,’ she said.

‘Just making sure.’ Mandy grinned.

‘Touché.’

A sudden loud whistle from Trevor silenced the entire gathering.

‘Thanks everyone for coming along today,’ he shouted.

Everyone turned to face him.