K. Something is wrong.

I blink a few times and sit heavily on my suitcase. I’ve just met two girls, and as of yet they haven’t:

• Looked me up and down and then pretended they can’t see me.
• Stood behind me, making faces.
• Said something as if they clearly mean the opposite.
• Rolled their eyes while I’m talking.
• Told me that my hair is “awfully bright for hair, isn’t it?”
• Written an offensive yet painfully accurate observation about my personality on my suitcase.

They haven’t pointed out sweetly that I’m quite short, for a model, or quite freckly, for a model, or quite weird-looking, for a human being. I quickly check my back with my fingers. There isn’t even a sign attached. Are these girls trying to be friends with me?

“I search gift under bed,” Rin says enthusiastically as I desperately try to orientate myself. “You will like very much, Harry-chan. It is to speak welcome to Japan.” She scampers towards the bunks and then stops and turns around. “Harry-chan, where are you come from?”

“England.”

“England!” Rin looks absolutely delighted, as if I’ve just whipped off my T-shirt and revealed multi-coloured wings. “What language is speaken in England, Harry-chan?”

“Umm.” I never, ever thought I would have to answer this question. “English. Just like Poppy.”

“Like in Hamster also!” Rin couldn’t look more astonished. “English everywhere! Super handy!” And then she drops to her knees in her pretty dress and starts trying to fit under the bed with her bottom wagging, like an over-excited puppy.

I can feel a warmth starting in my chest: the kind I haven’t felt since I crawled under the piano ten years ago and found Nat there.

You know what? This is exactly what I needed. Adventure. Excitement. New girlfriends, for the first time since I was five years old. A chance to start again without my parents, without Nat, and without Toby. A chance to be me, with a totally clean slate.

Plus I’m in my perfect environment, because every time I turn around there’s something new to learn about. It’s like being in school, except all the time and without Alexa.

I’m going to have the best summer ever.

There’s a loud knock at the front door, and I stand up and bounce over to answer it. Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I felt this happy.

And then I open the door and remember.

Because standing in the hallway is the last thing that made me feel this way.

Nick.