After that day, she only allowed herself to watch the local news once. Grace’s face flashed up on the TV screen, making Catriona feel physically sick; only she went by a different name. A name that Catriona doesn’t want to think about. They filmed her white-faced parents putting out an appeal. There was also a grainy piece of security footage showing a figure wearing a hoodie, leading Grace away from the play area. But it was impossible to tell whether the person was a woman or a man.

Catriona worried that the story was going to take hold nationally – that it would capture the nation’s hearts and she would be discovered. But a recent terrorist attack eclipsed all other stories and dominated the media. The local story of the missing girl soon faded, never even making it onto the national news. Catriona was amazed by the lack of coverage, but after some research she discovered that thousands of children go missing in the UK every year – one every three minutes according to police figures – and hardly any make the national headlines.

Catriona was surprised that her car wasn’t traced. That it wasn’t picked up on a security camera. That the police didn’t come knocking on her door. She wasn’t careful at all. She was reckless. None of it was planned. That whole day was a nightmarish blur. Even though she’s had to speak to the police and hospital staff about Darren’s accident, no one has mentioned a single thing to do with Gracie. Catriona has kept her indoors, and the trip up north has helped remove them from the situation. No one suspects anything out of the ordinary.

‘Catriona, love, how are you holding up?’ Darren’s mum comes and puts an arm around her and squeezes tightly, enveloping Catriona and Grace in a soft, squishy cuddle.

Catriona sniffs. ‘I still can’t believe it. Darren was the love of my life, you know.’

‘He worshipped you and Gracie. If only we hadn’t fallen out. We should have come down to visit you all sooner. It’s just, with Geoff being poorly and our silly argument with…’

‘You can’t beat yourself up about it, Pat. You had to take care of Geoff after the heart attack. At least Darren managed to make it up to see you at the end of the summer.’

Pat lets out a long breath. ‘Thank goodness. But we were going to ask you to come and stay this Christmas. It was going to be…’ She breaks off and starts rooting around in the pocket of her jacket. ‘Need another tissue. Shoulda brought a box of them with me.’

Catriona passes her a packet from her bag.