‘You’ll love the mountains,’ Mum says.
For one sweet hold-my-breath minute, when Mum said they had a surprise for us, I thought they meant something good, like a puppy, or a horse.
They meant they’ve bought a house in Jenkins Creek, where Scott grew up. We’re moving. Leaving Cottonwood Bluffs and driving right across the country, over the mountains to the other side.
I’ve never even heard of Jenkins Creek.
‘No one’s heard of Jenkins Creek,’ snarls Lily.
Mum and Scott are both talking at once, about every good thing they can possibly think of. An avalanche of words thuds over us: house of our own, camping and hiking, new start for our brand new family.
All I hear is that I’m leaving where I’ve lived my whole life. I’m leaving Gram, Jess, Amelia and everyone else I know. Leaving the gentle flatlands of Cottonwood Bluffs. Leaving the only place my real dad might ever come back to look for us.
It feels like stepping off a footpath onto ice. The world is skidding out from under me.