She could feel her cheeks growing hot. She wasn’t used to being the center of attention, and even a compliment from her mother made her feel bashful. Miriam must’ve sensed this as she then changed the subject.

As expected, the food was delicious and Colette enjoyed every last morsel as she and her mother chatted about everything and nothing. It was incredible to see her so strong and bright, and she was hopeful that it would continue. She’d really missed being the daughter and her mother being her mum. It was nice to see the order put right again.

“Movie time, then?” she asked as she went to clear the table, but again Miriam shushed her away, insisting she’d do it.

“Movie time.”

Chapter 8

Then

That weekend, Noelle came home from uni to join in the celebrations, and there was a jovial feel in the house for the first time in years.

Again, Miriam fussed around the kitchen, this time insisting on baking fresh scones for her girls. And once more Colette floundered a little with this sudden reversal of roles, but since it made her mother happy, she was, too. She sat at the kitchen table with Noelle as the three caught up.

“Here you go.” Her mum dropped a plate of warm currant scones on the table with a flourish. “Who’s for a fresh cuppa?”

“Mum, there’s really no need to run around after us like this.” Noelle caught Colette’s eye and smiled.

“Only the best for my girls.” She grinned, looking at them both. “And it’s about time.”

“Mum, stop,” Colette answered. “You’re the one who deserves the best.”

“And I got it,” her mother replied fondly.

“The very best,” Noelle agreed, nodding at Colette. “We’d all be lost without you, big sis.”

She really didn’t expect or want all this gratitude. And she wasn’t sure how to react to it.

Then her sister and mother exchanged a conspiratorial glance. “But now we think the same effort should be spent on you.”

Colette was confused. She eyed her family members suspiciously. “What do you mean?”

“Should we tell her now?” Noelle asked with a grin and Colette’s brow furrowed, feeling left out all of a sudden. What was going on?

“What have you two been keeping from me?”

“What I faced was no more than others have faced before me. It was nothing special,” her mother continued. “You, though, love, you were special. You stepped up when there was no one else.”

“Don’t...” Colette stopped her, unwilling to bring the mood down with a discussion about her father. “Anyway, I’ve told you loads of times, I don’t want any thanks. I don’t need any.”