Daisy, almost dumb for once, had to wipe away happy tears. She scrambled to her feet and threw her arms about Rea. ‘That’s so amazing of you, Mum! I can’t believe it. I’ve tried so hard not to get onto you about going out but I so, so want you to.’ Then she halted, looking aghast. ‘Have I, like, put you under pressure, now?’ Her face began to crumple.

Gently, Rea hugged her closer, her eyes misting. ‘No, sweetheart. You’ve just made me more determined.’

Laurel felt her eyes growing hot, too, realising just how deeply Daisy had been feeling Rea’s inability to lead a normal life. Outwardly, she’d coped so well.

Soon they were pulling on their outdoor clothes and boots. Laurel found the hard hat she’d borrowed from Zuzanna’s mum and shoved it into a backpack along with a few parsnips because they wanted the carrots for Sunday lunch. ‘Ready?’ she asked her sister.

‘Ready,’ Rea confirmed, looking pale and uncertain, and taking Daisy’s hand as if Daisy was four, not fourteen.

Laurel led the way through the front door. The fog had left behind a winter-bright, hopeful day, which seemed a long way from the dark emotions that had engulfed Laurel after her middle-of-the-night dash home. To buoy her further, as they stepped cautiously onto the pavement of Great End – as tentatively as three not-so-intrepid explorers stepping onto ice – Grady answered her earlier text. I understand. Are you OK? Unfort am meeting Mac for a pint tonight. You free now? Or this pm? No Craft Stuff today cos everyone’s at home getting stuff ready for the fair. xx Quickly she replied: With Rea and Daisy atm. Will get back to you as soon as I know about pm. xx

As Laurel put away her phone, she saw silent tears streaming down Daisy’s cheeks.

Rea noticed at the same time. ‘Oh, Daisy!’ Half-laughing, half-crying, she wrapped her arms around her daughter, right there on the pavement outside their garden gate.

When Daisy choked, ‘Mum, you’re so awesome!’ Laurel dissolved into tears too and joined the hug.

When they’d mopped their eyes, they went on. In Main Road, the pub was getting ready for its lunchtime opening, and Elvis was setting out a chalkboard bearing holly leaves and Don’t miss our Christmas Menu!! followed by a flamboyant drawing of a Christmas pudding. If he thought it odd that the three of them were holding hands, his friendly greeting didn’t betray it.

As she had during Rea’s last outing, Laurel chatted gently, hoping to provide distraction. Halfway down Main Road Rea paused and slung one arm around a lamppost as if seeking an anchor. Daisy’s eyes widened, clearly worried that Rea was about to bolt for home.