“I should have told you but I didn’t understand it myself and I didn’t know how to talk about it. Olive understood, but her way of dealing with it was to help with the children. We never discussed it again but I knew she was watching me. I had to work hard to hide the cracks.” She looked steadily into his eyes. “So I can relate to the way Kate’s feeling.”

The door to the room opened and Kate was wheeled in. Natalie reached for her daughter’s hand while the nurses finished getting her settled.

“All went well,” one said as she lifted the chart from the end of the bed. “Now it’s some rest for you, young lady.” She turned to Milt and Natalie. “It’s not visiting hours but I hear you’ve travelled a long way so you can stay for a few minutes.” Her gruffness was swept away by her brief smile. “I’ll leave you to it.”

“Mum.” Kate’s lip trembled.

Natalie leaned down and held her daughter close. “Just breathe,” she murmured. When she felt Kate relax she sat back. “One day at a time, darling.”

“They want me to stay in Adelaide for a few days once I’m out of here. I could ask one of my friends but I’m not ready to explain…”

“Don’t worry about anything,” Milt said. “We’ll sort something out.”

Kate’s eyelids were heavy. Natalie patted her hand. “Sleep now. I’ll be back later.”

They waited until she drifted off then let themselves out.

“I can book another room at the hotel we were in,” Milt said as soon as they were outside.

Natalie shivered and pulled on the coat she’d been glad to retrieve from her car. After her weeks in the west she was feeling the cold. “Let’s think on it for a while. I’m not sure if we’d be better somewhere like Glenelg rather than the city. A place where we can get some fresh air, maybe walk on the beach.” She looked up at the grey sky. “Even if it’s freezing.”

“Shall we find somewhere for coffee and a bite to eat?”

Natalie nodded.

They’d only just finished eating when both their phones rang. Natalie’s call was from Laura. She filled her in on Kate, told her Bree was on her way home and that they were staying on with Kate for a while. Natalie sent Laura a cyber-hug. The brightness was back in her daughter’s voice and that buoyed her own spirits.

Milt’s call ended at the same time.

“That was the stock agent. I’ve got sheep to get ready for the sale. Bree can manage but we’re seeding as well—”

“Why don’t you go home, Milt? I can look after Kate. It’s only a few days and then we’ll be home.”

“What about Sean?”