Page 123 of Serenity Falls

I see her bristle. ‘They weren’t exaggerating, Dad.’

‘Okay.’

‘Don’t sound so convinced.’

‘I am. It’s just—’ I sigh. ‘You don’t know these kids that well, and we don’t know who’s behind any of this stuff.’

I see her face snap shut. ‘You think they’re the ones sending weird messages?’

‘No. I’m just saying … be careful.’

‘They’re not the ones trying to freak us out. Jesus.’

‘Okay.’ I hold my hands up. ‘Forget I said anything.’

‘Fine. I’m going up to bed.’

‘Okay.’ I glance at the time: 10.47 p.m. I fight back a yawn.

She stares at me for a moment like she wants to say something else.

‘What?’

She shakes her head. ‘Nothing.’

I sigh. ‘I’m sorry for what I said about your friends. I’m happy you had fun tonight. Really.’

‘Yeah. You too.’ A pause. ‘Are you going to see this teacher woman again?’

‘Well, I’ll see her at school.’

‘Not what I meant, Dad.’

‘I don’t know.’ I swallow. ‘Sadie, I need to tell you something.’

‘What?’

I stare at her. She looks so beautiful. The sun has brought out flecks of gold in her hair and freckles on her nose. Just like her mum.

I clear my throat. ‘My date tonight. Well, one of the reasons I asked her out is she reminds me of your mum.’

I watch this sink in. Sadie nods. ‘I guess we all have a type.’

‘No, I mean, she looks a lot like your mum.’

‘And what, you’re asking me if I approve, if that’s healthy?’

‘I suppose, yes. I like her, but it’s bringing back memories.’

She sighs. ‘Dad, if you’re seeing this woman just because she looks like Mum, then no, it’s not healthy, but if you like her for her, then you should go for it.’

I nod. ‘I feel guilty.’

‘Mum was the one who left us.’ She pauses. ‘You deserve a life.’

I feel tears well in my eyes. ‘You’re an amazing daughter, you know.’

She takes a small bow. ‘I am very wise. Night.’