‘Is it about Katy?’ she asks gently.

Amber nods.

‘I’ll make us something to eat,’ Rosa says, getting up.

‘You must miss her so much,’ Lumin says, eyes exploring Amber’s face as Rosa potters about the kitchen.

‘I do. Every second of every day.’

Lumin is quiet for a moment. ‘I heard everything Rosa said,’ she whispers eventually. ‘It’s all so awful.’

‘I know. I’m so sorry, I didn’t realise I’d be leading you into such a tragic story.’

‘It’s not your fault!’ She glances at the painting of Eleanor in the living room. ‘I also heard what she said about not really moving on, but adapting to her surroundings. Do you think you’ve done that?’

Amber wipes her tears away. ‘I think so. I have my own place, the gift shop.’ But as she caught sight of her mascara-streaked face reflected in a window, she wasn’t convinced she had.

The atmosphere over dinner is lighter. The snow grows heavier and heavier so they agree it really is best they stay with Rosa. Amber even has a glass of wine.

As she lies in bed that night, looking out at the falling snow against black skies, she finds herself thinking of Jasper. It suddenly all comes rushing at her, the regret. How could she have just left him? How could she have given up so easily? What if she lost him, as Lumin’s mother lost her father? Would she feel she had tried hard enough to keep him in her life?

When she wakes the next morning, the first thing she does is check her phone for reception. She has two bars of signal. There are several messages from her mum, and another voicemail from Detective King. But she calls Jasper first. When he doesn’t pick up, she calls the hospital and they tell her he’s on leave. Of course, she forgot, he’ll be in the Peak District with his parents. The reception was always dicey there.

She takes a deep breath and makes the call she’s been dreading: Detective King. Luckily, it goes to voicemail. She explains the breakthrough they’ve made and promises she’ll be home with Lumin that day if the roads clear. Then she calls her mum, and patiently answers all her questions, aware how worried she must have been.

After getting ready, she walks downstairs to find Rosa has made a delicious breakfast for them. Lumin is sitting quietly, looking out at the heavy snow. It’s got even worse overnight.

‘People have been stuck on the roads all night, according to the radio,’ Rosa says when Amber walks in. ‘Just as well you didn’t leave. At least the phone lines are back up.’

As Rosa says that, Amber’s phone rings. Jasper. She quickly picks it up.

‘Hello?’ Jasper croaks.

‘Are you okay?’ Amber quickly asks him. ‘You sound awful. Are you at your parents?’