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‘Our guides are fantastic and most of the group are lovely. They call me Sandy.’

‘Uh oh, most?’ Ellie said. ‘That doesn’t sound good. Most?’

‘One young couple who took a while to settle in. They’re on their honeymoon, but they’re coming good.’

‘Any other oldies?’ Ellie teased.

‘Half of the group are around my age,’ her mother replied. ‘Another couple, another woman on her own, and one other man. Graysen is a photographer and he’s been my trekking buddy. We had the best walk today and I actually got my photo taken as a flock of budgerigars surrounded me. You’ve never heard anything like it.’

‘I’m so pleased you’re having a good time. The walk’s not too hard?’

‘It is. Very hard, but I’m getting fitter by the day. Google Brinkley’s Bluff. That’s what we’re climbing tomorrow.’

Before Ellie could answer, her mother kept talking. ‘I have to go. I couldn’t get onto the others. Are they all okay?’

‘I was talking to Dru yesterday. They’re fine. Ryan called in to see Kane this morning, and Dee’s good. Emma’s probably at the hospital.’

‘Okay, sweetie. Give everyone my love, tell them I’m having the best time. I’ll talk to you all next time we have service. Probably another three or four days, I think. Love you. And a kiss for James.’

‘Love you too, Mum. If you can send me that photo, I’d love to see it.’

‘Will do. Bye.’

Ellie looked at the phone in disbelief. A call with Mum usually went for half an hour, and it was always Ellie who ended it.

Her phone pinged straight away with a text message.

I don’t have the budgie photo yet LOL Graysen told me I looked like a wood nymph(!!!!) but here are some of the group. Some candid snaps I took around camp on our first night. Plus one of my luxury tent. Can you forward to the others pls?

Ta, Love Mum aka Sandy xx

‘A wood nymph? Who is this guy?’ Ellie chuckled as she scrolled through the photos.

‘What?’ Kane came out of the kitchen, a tea towel over his shoulder and a frown on his forehead. ‘Is everything okay?’

Ellie nodded slowly. ‘I think so. She had to rush off. She looks really happy. Half the group is around Mum’s age. And the best part is, I didn’t have to tell her one porky. Emma is at the hospital, and Dee is fine.’

‘Have you talked to Emma today?’

‘No, not since yesterday. She has to stay in a couple of days after her surgery.’

‘Do you think she’s doing okay?’ Kane sat on the double sofa beside her.

Ellie took a deep breath. ‘It’s hard to know. She’s trying to be upbeat. I know she doesn’t want to bring the rest of us down. But shit, Kane, losing one of her ovaries and waiting for the biopsy results must be just awful for her.’

‘How about we drive in and see her tomorrow while James is at kindy, and you can tell her about your mum’s call.’

Ellie rested her head against her husband’s shoulder. ‘Thank you, I’d like that. And we can visit Dee and the bubs as well.’

‘But we won’t tell James!’

‘Not that he’d probably care. He was most unimpressed at how little they were and they didn’t look at him.’ Ellie blinked back tears. ‘Mum sounded so happy, and Dee and the babies are fine, Dru’s news will send Mum over the moon. I just hope and pray that Emma’s okay. It’s so unfair.’

Kane’s hand smoothed her hair. ‘It is, love, but you worrying about it isn’t going to make any difference. You need to try not to worry and keep resting. You’ve been good without me having to nag you.’

‘I have. I love you, Kane.’

‘Love you too.’ His frown cleared as he leaned over to take her lips with his.