I try to remember if I ever saw Yin and Natalia even say hello to each other. Yin was in such a tight three with Claire and Milla, and so deep into senior orchestra, that it’s hard to imagine her and Natalia having anything in common.

‘They even had this special secret language they would use. No one could come between them.’

I don’t know what to do with this information. It puts a twist on everything I know about Natalia. I think about what it would be like if something happened to Katie or Liana. I don’t know how I would react. Maybe I would go around yelling at people and poking them in the eye.

‘It’s hard to believe, isn’t it?’ Lisbeth says. ‘In Junior School we’d always say YinandNatalia as one word, but as soon as they got to Year Seven…’

‘What happened in Year Seven?’

‘Everything changes when you get to Senior School. I mean, I used to be friends with Teaghan, can you believe it?’

I shake my head.

‘We used to do bible study together, but Teaghan strayed from the path. I did try to save her…’

‘You do know I’m a massive atheist, right?’ I’m not sure I should be risking one of my only Balmoral friendships, but honesty seems important right now.

‘Of course, Chloe. I’ve matured a lot. I can be friends with non-believers.’

Lisbeth picks up my photo and dusts it off. She takes off her blazer and lays the photo carefully on top of it.

Something dawns on me.

‘Hang on, Lisbeth, are you wagging class?’

‘I am. I should be in Maths right now.’ She looks equal parts terrified and pleased. ‘It’s my first time, but it turns out to be quite easy, especially if you have chronic sinusitis. Mr Scrutton thinks I’m in sick bay.’ She pats me on the arm. ‘I’ll stay for as long as you need me, Chloe. And I’m going to pray for you extra-hard tonight.’

‘Thanks Lisbeth.’ I’m in danger of tearing up again. I may be a heathen but I know praying is her way of showing she cares and I’m grateful. ‘Don’t go overboard. Just one little mention will do.’

Mum is on the night shift so I deadlock the front and back doors and give in to Sam’s demands to paint his nails, toes and fingers. I was so busy on the school holidays that he is super thirsty for my attention. We had to send him on a council holiday program for the first time in ages, and I’m full of guilt.

Sam chooses a Disney soundtrack playlist and instead of complaining I sing along. It blocks any thoughts I might have had about messaging anyone or hopping online to vent or rant or see if anyone even cares about my photo.