‘Imagine, in the past, how parents could be a terrible influence during pregnancy,’ the manager was saying. ‘Especially the ones who were considering abortion. Think of all the things unborn babies could be exposed to – alcohol, toxins, cold, hunger … Now, not only can we offer life, but every baby in the pouch has everything it needs.’

‘She’s not shy,’ Avigail interrupted, and the manager stopped mid-stride. ‘She’s following me around. So why won’t she tell me her name?’

‘Oh, she hasn’t chosen one yet,’ the manager shrugged. ‘She doesn’t like to speak at all. We don’t know why.’

Avigail felt her throat clench, but she wouldn’t cry. Not here. She would not show this little girl any useless pity; she’d show her something better.

She knelt down and beckoned her closer, pushed her hair back from her face and smiled until she got a smile in return. ‘Of course you don’t like to speak,’ she said, with a wink. ‘I bet you’d prefer to shout.’

Eva watched the first few reports on her computer at home that afternoon. How Rosie Bhattacharyya had arrived at the birthing centre shortly after noon – she must have just missed her, thank God – how they’d chosen the main public centre rather than the more exclusive private options because of the history of their family.

She was irritated and impatient. There was something new happening at FullLife, and she wanted to find out what it was. Quentin had seemed nervous, sure, but not dishonest – if anything he’d seemed shaken up and ready to talk. It made sense that her mother had known him. He must have been a good connection at FullLife, especially if he had feelings for her. Presumably they weren’t reciprocated – she’d never heard her mother mention him. She’d never asked her to contact him, or tell him about her illness.

A bulletin announced there was going to be an exclusive. Tomorrow morning, the first interview with the new parents. Piotr Filipek gives one of his famous ‘interviews at home’. Trust Piotr to be on the front line. She hadn’t been that far off, then, thinking he might have been outside FullLife that morning – it was just that he didn’t even need to be in the press huddle. Maybe he hadn’t changed at all in the past six years. She shook her head, but she was paying attention now, whether she wanted to or not.

Then came the next news cycle. She was expecting an announcement about the birth but instead they just talked about the arrival in more detail: Holly wearing a floral dress – for the love of God, who cared – the pouch being carried into the building by the father, Kaz. At this point she was annoyed enough to stand up and switch off the computer, only then leaning against the table and counting to ten.