“Is it?” Bree hadn’t ever thought about it. The Kings’ property was large, tucked in a corner of grazing country, bounded by a highway with broad-acre farmers beyond it and a mountain range behind, over which the country was marginal, better suited to cattle. “We have other neighbours to the north we don’t see much of but there’s always been the Taylors and the Mercers and the Saints.” Bree ticked off her fingers as she listed the names of several other families they called ‘neighbours’ even though they were physically separated by hectares and hectares of land. “And up until recently we’ve spent any free time with the Fannings.” Their nearest neighbours, Brenda and Martin Fanning, had also been their parents’ best friends.

“Mum must miss Aunty Brenda. It’d be awful to have your bestie up and leave after thirty-odd years.” Laura was missing Spritzi already and they’d only been friends for a short time in comparison.

“She didn’t up and leave. She had to sell the property after Uncle Martin died. She couldn’t manage on her own and none of their kids were interested.”

“Brisbane’s such a long way from here though.”

“She’s got two of her kids there and a sister. It made sense.”

“Still, Mum must miss her and with all of us gone it must get lonely, just her and Dad.”

Bree gave a snort. “I’m still here and Granny comes out every week.”

“But it’s not the same as a friend. I think Mum seems a bit quiet.”

“You’ve only been home five minutes.”

“Maybe she needs to take a break, go to visit Aunty Brenda.”

“Maybe.”

“You still look pale,” Laura said. “Does it hurt?”

“Like the devil.” Bree had fallen into a deep sleep after they’d returned from the hospital. She’d needed several stitches and now the local anaesthetic had worn off and the throbbing pain had woken her. “Would you get me some painkillers from the bathroom?”

“Mum’s one step ahead of you.” Laura picked up a packet of tablets from the bench and brought them to Bree with a glass of water. “She left these for you.”

Bree took two, drank the whole glass of water then grinned at her sister who’d sat down opposite. “You look like a giant lollipop.”

“Thanks.” Laura dragged her hair back from her face with her fingers. “I washed my hair this arvo. The more I do it the quicker it’ll fade. I’ll put it up again before Dad gets home.”

“You don’t think he’ll notice?”

Laura grimaced.