As we keep walking, I have to keep telling myself that this is necessary. This is what anyone would do if they were in my situation. I’m not doing anything wrong; I’m simply making sure that my suspicions are correct. Thankfully, I don’t feel quite as conspicuous as I did yesterday; not now I have my children with me.

‘The upper school’s that way.’ Jess points to a huge sign pointing down one of the side roads.

‘That way’s for cars,’ I say, thinking on my feet. ‘There’s a quicker route by foot.’

‘Why didn’t we drive there?’ Jess asks.

‘It’s too busy round here at the moment. School pick-up time.’

‘So why didn’t we—’

‘Jess, please, can you just be quiet for a few minutes while I work out where we’re going?’

‘I thought you knew where you were going,’ she mutters under her breath.

We carry on battling our way through the wind and the rain, Charlie’s umbrella periodically bashing me in the arm. But at least he seems pretty happy, so I don’t mind. Eventually, we reach Bella’s school building. We’re a little late though and there’s already a stream of children spilling out through the gates. I curse under my breath and try not to panic. Please don’t let me have missed her. I debate whether or not to leave the school gates and walk in the direction of her house, in case she’s already left, and we can catch her up. But while I’m having that internal conversation, I spot her with the same three friends again.

‘Oh look.’ I nudge Jess. ‘There’s Amy’s sister.’ I point to Bella, who’s already halfway down the road.

‘Who?’ Jess replies.

‘You remember Amy’s sister, Bella? Come on, let’s catch her up.’ I keep hold of Charlie’s hand and begin jogging down the road, kicking up spray.

‘I thought we were supposed to be going to the—’

‘Come on! Catch up!’ I cry, glancing back to see that Jess has stopped and is staring after me in sullen bewilderment.

Reluctantly, Jess follows. A stab of guilt hits me as I realise my kids must be tired after school, and here I am dragging them around in the rain. But Bella could very well be their older sibling. That’s an incredible thought. It’s a thought I hold on to as we tear down the road.

At the corner, Bella parts ways from her blonde-haired friend, who isn’t wearing a coat and is already absolutely drenched. Bella puts her hood up and continues on her way, not hurrying in the slightest, as though the weather is of no consequence.