‘I’m not killing myself. For God’s sake, Eliza. One night of one-too-many wines and you’ve got me in an early grave. Okay, forget about it. I'll ring them myself. Off you go to school, like the good holy girl you are.’

All day Eliza felt sick with guilt and shame. That night, she came home to a spotless house, a home-cooked dinner in the fridge and a note on the table. My flu was gone by lunchtime so I’ve gone in for the afternoon shift. Home by 8. See you then, darling. Xxxxx

When her mother came home, it was as if nothing had happened. There was no wine for the next four nights. Only a glass on the fifth. Until it went back to a bottle or more a night again. It became a cycle. They would argue, it would stop, then start again. All through her final years of school.

She never spoke to Maxie or Olivia about it. It felt too shameful, too private. Afterwards, she cried herself to sleep many nights, wishing she had told them. Perhaps they might have done something to stop it from happening. Stop Jeannie deciding to have a drink that night, after filling her bath —

Eliza opened her eyes. No. She couldn’t revisit memories of that night again. Not here, on a plane, far from all she knew, with so much uncertainty about her future, no job to distract her, no —

Ding.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the plane’s announcement bell.

Beside Eliza, Judith’s eyes were wide. The ‘Fasten seatbelts’ sign had come on. The pilot advised that they were approaching an area of turbulence.

‘I knew it would get bad,’ Judith said, her voice rising. ‘We’re going to crash, aren’t we?’

Sullivan consoled her. ‘It’ll be fine, Judith. They’re just being cautious. Let’s hold hands again.’

Eliza had no choice but to join in. It was surprisingly comforting.

CHAPTER NINE

Two hours later, they landed in Dubai on schedule. They held hands once more. Eliza shut her eyes as the plane descended. Judith was praying. There was a squeal when the tyres hit the tarmac. She wasn’t sure if it was her or Judith.

Sullivan beamed proudly at them both. ‘You did it. More than halfway there.’

‘But now what do I do?’ Judith said. ‘How will I find the next plane? My husband and friends said to ask someone but I don’t speak the language here. I don’t even know what the language is.’

‘You’ll find most people in Dubai speak English, Judith,’ Sullivan said.

‘But I can help you find your gate, if you like?’ Eliza said.

‘Good idea, Eliza,’ Sullivan said. ‘I’ll come too.’

The ground staff member charged with looking after Sullivan wouldn’t pass him over to a stranger. There were rules and regulations, she said.

‘Never mind. At least I tried,’ Sullivan said. ‘Eliza, I’ll see you on the next leg. Judith, it’s been a pleasure. Have a great time with your grandchildren.’