‘I’m gonna make a success of my life, Cat, even if I fail my exams, or don’t get the grades—’ she said.

‘Which you will,’ interrupted Catrin, but Judith ignored her.

‘Whatever the outcome, I am gonna pull myself out of this pit. I’m not gonna be a victim of my own sorry upbringing any more.’

Catrin nodded. She’d never seen Judith like this before.

They were interrupted by Liz coming down the stairs in her dressing gown, picking up the newly delivered post en route. ‘Well now, who’s got their exam results today then?’ she said in a cheery voice, too loud for the time of day. Liz had a penchant for stating the obvious.

‘Morning,’ said Judith, and Catrin could tell she was glad of the subject change.

‘How did you sleep, Judy love, were you …?’ But something stopped Liz in her tracks as she looked through the mail. ‘Oh, this one’s for you,’ she said, surprised, as she held out a pink envelope addressed to Judith Harris, c/o the Kelly Family. Even Catrin recognized the handwriting straight away. It was from George.

Catrin and Liz both watched as Judith slowly put down her mug and opened the card, which had the words ‘GOOD LUCK’ emblazoned on the front, framed in a rectangle of four-leafed clovers. Inside, two fifty-pound notes had been paperclipped to the card. Judith said nothing. Then passed it to Catrin to read.

Dear Judi-moo

I have had to go away. There are too many things to explain in this card but please be patient – until I get the chance to tell you everything. I know that today will be a big day for you. And whatever the results, please never forget how proud of you I am. Here is some money towards whatever you decide to do next. I’m so sorry, my Judi-moo. I hope one day you will be able to understand, and to forgive.

I love you always, Dad x

Liz, for once, was lost for words.

Catrin handed back the card. ‘Oh my God, Jude.’

She expected her friend to cry, but Judith continued sitting there, gulping down the rest of her tea as if she was in a tea-drinking race. Suddenly she stood up. ‘Is it all right if I have a shower, Mrs Kelly?’

‘Of course it is, love. Clean towels in the airing cupboard. Help yourself.’

‘Thanks.’ And she headed out of the door. ‘And then we’d better get going, Cat!’ she shouted over her shoulder, as if her life hadn’t just been turned upside down. Again.

Liz stared at Catrin and whispered, ‘Now you give her the spare key from the rack. I don’t want any friend of yours ever feeling she’s not got a home right here with the Kellys.’

Catrin felt a sudden rush of love for her mother and her big, generous heart.

Two hours later Catrin was at the school, holding a green computer print-out in both hands and staring at three tiny grey triangles standing atop each other’s shoulders like acrobats in a circus.