Nina tried to think of a clever answer, but the row had left her tired and the right words wouldn’t come. If she was being honest, she knew her life was different. Tess had no dad, and her mam had no money. From time to time, this made Nina uncomfortable. She found herself being careful about what she said. The previous summer, the Minogues had gone to Portugal, and even though Tess had been full of questions, Nina hadn’t wanted to talk about it. She’d been scared of appearing boastful. In Millmount, the girls were keen to let you know where they’d been and what their families owned. In Kilmitten, that wasn’t the done thing. Having too much was frowned upon. Nina wished she could spool back to the days when she’d been unaware of the differences between her and Tess.

‘We have lots and lots in common,’ she said. ‘We’re interested in the same sort of stuff and we like the same bands and—’

‘You see,’ said her father, ‘harsh as this might sound, in a few years’ time, you’ll be leading a very different life from Tess. She’ll probably have a similar life to her mother – and that’s not what we want for you.’

‘I like Ginny. She’s fun. Tess is fun.’

‘Believe me, Nina, the older you get, the more you’ll appreciate that fun’s not enough. Now, if you’re wise, you’ll listen to what we’re saying. We’re not forbidding you from ever seeing Tess again, but we think you ought to spend a couple of months away from her. That will give you time to adapt to your new school. When you return to Kilmitten, you’ll have a fresh perspective on the situation.’

A silly hiccuping sob escaped from Nina’s mouth. ‘I don’t know why you’re doing this.’

‘We all feel the same when we’re young,’ said her dad. ‘We’re convinced our parents know nothing. I promise you, one day you’ll look back on this and you’ll understand.’

Chapter 5

After the funeral, Tom and his parents went home. Save for a brief trip to collect some clothes, it was the first time they’d returned since Father Galvin’s death. Tom could see his breath in every room. There was frost on the inside of the windows and ice in the kitchen sink. The place was a mess too, with the remains of the party still scattered about. He’d heard neighbours offer to come and help with the clear-up, but his mam had said no. ‘Another day,’ she’d said. ‘Another day.’ He’d expected her to tear into the task, with him fetching and carrying. He’d been wrong. Instead, she’d walked around in a heavy-footed way before announcing that she needed a rest.

How could she still be tired?