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‘It’s so pretty, Nanny. Is it really for me?’

‘Well, you and Tilly. Look.’ The older woman pointed to a basket in the corner lined with a pink fluffy blanket.

‘Thank you so much.’ Summer wrapped her arms around her nan’s neck and placed a kiss on her cheek. ‘I love it.’

‘And I love you.’ Grandmother and granddaughter pressed their noses together in an Eskimo-style kiss, and Evelyn felt a pang of guilt that it had been so long since they’d been together. It couldn’t be helped, but Evelyn still felt guilty.

Her guilt only intensified when Summer yawned and slumped against her grandmother. ‘I’m really sleepy, Nanny. Can I please go to bed?’

‘Of course you can darling.’ Her easy tone and calm words belayed the look that she shot Evelyn. ‘You can do whatever you want. Do you want me to tuck you in?’

Summer nodded tiredly as Evelyn pulled her pyjamas out of the small bag she’d handed Linda moments earlier. ‘Do you need help getting ready for bed?’

‘No.’ She grabbed the clothes and washbag and trudged tiredly down the corridor to the small bathroom.

As soon as she was out of sight, Evelyn collapsed on the small bed. ‘This really is a beautiful room, Mum. I hadn’t expected anything like this. I can’t thank you enough.’

‘Hmm. You’re welcome, darling. You know I like spoiling you both. And I’ve told you before – you don’t have to thank family.’ She was still staring down the corridor, clearly distracted. ‘I know it’s late, but is it usual for her to be so tired?’

‘Unfortunately, yes.’ Evelyn scrubbed her hands across her face, feeling a lot older than her thirty-six years.

‘But it’s worked?’

‘Yes. That’s what the doctors have said. She’s in medical remission.’

Linda clasped her hands to her mouth and murmured a prayer of thanks. ‘I know you told me over the phone, but seeing you and having her here … it makes it feel more real. But she still looks so poorly.’

‘I was actually thinking she was looking much better.’ Evelyn shot her mum a sad smile. ‘She’s been a little champ, but chemo can be really hard on kids, and neuroblastoma is harder the older you get.’

‘I know, darling.’

‘I feel so guilty. You look at her and think she looks terrible …’

‘I said poorly.’

‘Fine.’ Evelyn shrugged. ‘You think she looks poorly, but I think she actually looks better than she has for weeks. And it’s all my fault.’

‘Cancer like this isn’t anyone’s fault, Evie.’

‘It’s neuroblastoma, Mum.’ Evelyn was careful to keep her voice down. The walls in the old cottage were thick, but she wasn’t taking any chances. ‘This has come from cells from my womb. From when I was pregnant. I feel like I’ve done this to her.’

‘But you haven’t.’

‘Haven’t what?’ Summer’s voice from the door startled them both.

‘Haven’t … unpacked the car yet.’

‘Oh.’ Summer yawned again. ‘Do I have to help?’

‘Absolutely not.’ Evelyn pulled the covers back from the bed. ‘All you need to do right now is snuggle down in bed, and rest your sleepy head …’

‘… And close your tired eyes, and chase dreams across the skies,’ Linda finished.

‘You know my night night rhyme, Nanny?’ Summer climbed into bed and lay down.

‘Who do you think taught it to your mum?’

‘You?’