He follows me into the hall, almost impatiently, and I wonder if he’ll mention my pregnancy again. But he doesn’t. Just ushers me out of the house like I’m an unwelcome distraction. It’s always like this with Dad. We almost connect, and then it all falls apart before we get anywhere. You’d think I’d learn not to be disappointed each time it happens.

I let the rain soak me as I head back to my car. Dad closes the front door before I’m even inside the vehicle, dripping all over the seat and steering wheel. Anger sweeps over me and I can’t wait to leave. I tell myself I’m not even going to bother trying to find a number for the hostel. But I know that’s a lie. Dina might be the last person I want to speak to, but she’s still my baby sister. I need to know that she’s okay. If not for me, at least for Dad.

I’m back home a little over ten minutes later, sitting in my warm, clean and tidy kitchen, feeling a little calmer. A quick Google search on my laptop yields a basic website for the Thai hostel. There’s a contact page with a map, address, email address and phone number. I call the number and, after interminable ringing, it’s eventually answered by a guy with an Australian accent.

‘Hello, can I help?’

‘Hi, is that the Lazy Days hostel?’

‘It is. Do you want to make a booking?’ He sounds rushed, irritated. Like I’ve interrupted him. His impatience makes me stutter.

‘Uh, no. No thanks. I, uh… Do you have someone staying there called Dina Williams? She’s my sister and I can’t get through on—’

‘You mean Dee?’

‘Short, with long brown hair, blue eyes.’

‘Yeah. English chick. Worked here last year. Bolshy.’

That sounds like Dina. ‘I didn’t realise she worked there. Is she around? Can I talk to her? Tell her it’s Zoe.’

‘Like I said, she worked here last year, but she’s not here anymore.’

‘Oh. Well, do you know where she went? Do you have a forwarding address or number?’

‘All I know is she said she was heading home to the UK.’

‘Really? The UK?’ He must be mistaken. ‘Do you know when that was? Was it before Christmas?’

‘Way before that. Can’t remember exactly, but it was months ago.’

Months ago? That doesn’t sound right. ‘Would anyone else there have an address for her? It’s just… her phone isn’t working, and I haven’t been able to get in touch.’

‘No, none of us knew any more than what she told us.’

‘Can you ask around? See if she mentioned a place to anyone else?’

His sigh travels down the phone line.

‘Please.’