“Have you got TV in the quarters, Bree?” Laura looked expectantly at her sister.

“No. I use the one in the house. Mum and I have a few favourite shows we watch together and I don’t mind the footy.”

“But there’s an outlet for a TV there, isn’t there? Granny and Pa had a TV when they lived there.”

“Yes.”

Kate could tell by the look on Laura’s face she had an idea brewing.

“Could I take over the quarters while you’re away?”

“No.” Bree gave an adamant shake of her head.

“Why not? You’ll be gone a while. I could have my own space.”

“You’ve got your own space.”

“But I—”

Milt’s chair pushed back abruptly. “You can have the TV to yourself. I’m turning in.” He carried his plate to the sink.

“Me too.” Bree stood. “I’m going in to spend the day with Owen tomorrow.” She glanced at her dad who was on his way out. “I won’t be home tomorrow night.”

Milt paused, half turned.

“I’ll be back first thing Monday morning in time for tailing,” she added quickly.

He gave a nod and looked to Laura. “Good pizza, love, thanks.” And then he was gone.

“Night.” Bree glanced from Laura to Kate and then she too left.

“I’ll help with the dishes,” Kate said, the pizza in her stomach swirling as she moved.

“You look really tired,” Laura said. “Why don’t you get an early night too? It won’t take me long here.”

Kate glanced around; as usual there were dishes and containers and cutlery spread in all directions. “I’ll help,” she said.

Once the kitchen was tidy Kate went to bed and Laura slumped to a chair. Cooking was like hair dressing: you were on your feet all day and your hands were often in water. She was grateful for Kate’s help but she was over the role of cook and kitchen-hand. The fridge hummed a lonely tune in the big empty room. She hoped her mum wasn’t going to spend too long at Aunty Brenda’s.

Laura glanced restlessly around the tidy kitchen. She was weary but not tired and wished she hadn’t been so hasty in cancelling her Netflix subscription. She was desperate enough to have watched it on her phone. Her gaze halted at the desk in the corner. There was a pile of her mum’s school stuff stacked there and she remembered the folder. She got up, strode to the desk and picked up the only green folder among her mother’s things. She flicked it open and the first thing she saw was a bright yellow post-it note. Laura smiled, lifted the note from the folder and tapped it with her finger as an idea formed.